Job Summary

Provides direct patient care to neonate through geriatric patient populations. Addresses the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care related to the surgical environment. Assists with the maintenance of PACU equipment and inventory. Participates in performance improvement activities. Responsible for monitoring patient’s physiological status in the immediate postoperative environment. Communicates with surgeon and anesthesiologist continuously, and as needed, about patient conditions; receives direction for patient management. Intercedes to maintain optimum homeostasis.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas

• Approaches patient in a kind, gentle and friendly manner.
• Gives patient explanations and verbal reassurances consistently.
• Responds to patient’s inappropriate behavior in a therap
• Demonstrates knowledge of perioperative factors that alter immediate postoperative phase.
• Utilizes nursing procedures as a media for communication and interaction with patien
• Identifies physical symptoms and changes and takes appropriate action in a timely manner.
• Completes treatments as ordered or within one (1) hour, if appropriate.
• Demonstrates knowledge of airway management and procedures and the ability to use the equipment.
• Demonstrates ability to assess cardio-respiratory systems for changes and provides appropriate treatment.
• Observes behavioral and physiologic changes due to medications, takes appropriate actions and documents.
• Adjusts and acts upon expectations of patient’s behavior, according to the effect medication has on patient.
• Demonstrates ability to provide specific care to postoperative neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
• Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments and special procedures.
• Carries out established techniques for safe administration of medications and parenteral fluids, according to hospital policies and procedures.
• Follows the seven (7) medication rights and reduces the potential for medication errors.
• Carries out safety measures to prevent patient from harming him/herself or others.
• Coordinates patient care; gives explanations and teaching to patient/family, as necessary.
• Protects patient’s sensitivities and right to privacy.
• Demonstrates knowledge of arterial lines, Swan-Ganz, spinal and epidural catheters and how to document.
• Demonstrates ability to make independent and intelligent nursing decisions in the care of the PACU patients.
• Obtains, documents and assesses vital signs every five (5) minutes for the first hour.
• Demonstrates ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Closely observes patient with minimal disturbance.
• Responds appropriately to patient in an emergency or physically distressful situation.
• Provides family with the opportunity for reciprocal communication with the nursing staff.
• Clearly documents in charting ideas, facts and concepts about the patient. Documentation is completed within shift; meets standards, policies and procedures.
• Communicates effectively and thoroughly the patient’s condition upon transfer from PACU to the receiving patient care unit Registered Nurse.
• Ability to perform waived testing (point-of-care testing) per Clinical Laboratory’s and the patient care unit’s policies and procedures.
• Ability to interpret results of waived tests; take appropriate action on waived tests results.
• Notifies physician of any abnormal lab/test results.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationships with co-workers for the patient’s benefit.
• Maintains regulatory agency requirements, hospital and nursing policies, procedures and standards. Counts narcotics at the beginning and end of all shifts with Circulating Nurse, per policies and procedures.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of facts and good judgment.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of disease and surgical conditions and the care required.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of dysrhythmias, followed by appropriate treatment.
• Completes specially assigned duties consistently and as schedule allows.
• Utilizes initiative; strives to maintain steady level of productivity; self-motivated. Organizes and manages activities reflecting due consideration for the needs of the department and staff.
• Demonstrates understanding and necessity of chemical and biological monitoring.

Regulatory Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current Registered Nurse licensure in the State of Texas.
• Current BCLS certification.
• Current ACLS certification.
• PALS certification preferred.
• Basic EKG or Arrhythmia-identification certification preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in the PACU/ICU.