Travel Nurse RN - PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
State College, PA
Wellspring Nurse Source
5x8 hrs, Days

Role Overview: The Registered Nurse is responsible for assessing patient needs, providing nursing care, and coordinating with healthcare teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes. This position entails direct patient interaction and advocacy, as well as collaboration with physicians and others involved in patient care.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess and respond to the physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients through direct observation and communication.
• Utilize professional nursing skills and clinical judgment to implement nursing care based on identified patient issues.
• Effectively communicate patient assessments to healthcare team members to ensure coordinated care.
• Demonstrate knowledge in diagnostic measures, including laboratory tests, radiology, and EKG; proficient in IV therapy techniques.
• Transcribe and implement physicians' orders promptly while efficiently admitting patients to the surgical center.
• Document patient information accurately and timely in clinical records, ensuring all prerequisites for surgical procedures are fulfilled.
• Provide knowledgeable instruction and education to patients and their families regarding care protocols.
• Manage inventory of supplies in compliance with policies, ensuring cost containment without compromising patient care.
• Assist with housekeeping tasks when necessary, including cleaning and preparing patient areas.
• In the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), assess and address patient needs, ensuring airway maintenance, monitoring vital signs, and managing pain control medications as required.
• Familiarize with patient transfer protocols to ensure smooth transitions to other care settings.
• As a float nurse, maintain effective communication across units, support staff during breaks, and ensure operational efficiency.
• Participate in pain management and eye laser procedure rooms as assigned.
• Assist with the administration of anesthesia supplies and nerve blocks; know the locations of emergency carts and medications for critical situations.
• Engage in committee meetings, contributing ideas for improvement and seeking guidance when necessary.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned.

Shift Information:

• 8-hour shifts; variable start times between 0600-0700, Monday through Friday.
• No weekend or holiday shifts required.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience required.
• Current certifications in ACLS, BLS/BCLS, and PALS are required.