Travel Nurse RN - PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
Coos Bay, OR
Wellspring Nurse Source
3x12 hrs, Days

Job Description

Start dates are always on Tuesdays. The role supports the organization's mission, vision, and values by adhering to established behavioral standards. Consistent compliance with applicable laws and regulations is required. Effective communication and the ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds are essential.

Position Summary

This position functions as a vital team member in all phases of perianesthesia care, including Pre-Op, PACU Phase 1, and PACU Phase II. Within the RN scope of practice as defined by the Oregon State Board of Nursing, this role involves applying the nursing process to patient care, educating patients and significant others, and documenting care in the medical record. Collaboration with the interdisciplinary team is key to coordinating overall patient care within the Perianesthesia departments.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist physicians with endoscopic examinations and perform gastric manometer testing.
• Coordinate the interdisciplinary team to ensure patient readiness for surgery.
• Comprehensively review and assess patient status related to planned surgery, including:
  • Physical parameters
  • Lab values
  • Medications
  • Pre-, intra-, and post-op learning needs
  • Understanding of the procedure
• Consult with the surgeon, anesthesia providers, and other healthcare professionals to resolve identified patient issues promptly.
• Prevent avoidable surgery cancellations.
• Initiate the interdisciplinary discharge planning process, involving patients and caregivers.
• Perform EKGs as ordered.
• Manage patient care, including pain control, during anesthesia recovery.
• Provide care for patients undergoing moderate sedation, including medication administration and monitoring.
• Identify and interpret cardiac rhythms while proficiently using cardio-respiratory monitoring equipment.
• Conduct assessments that may include physical, psychosocial, learning needs and barriers, as well as needs related to age/culture and discharge planning.
• Establish nursing diagnoses based on assessment results and collaborate with the interdisciplinary team.
• Plan and update care according to identified diagnoses and needs.
• Implement individualized care based on nursing care plans, which may include:
  • Assisting with daily living activities, fall risk management, and safe patient handling.
  • Medication administration.
  • Skin assessment and wound care.
  • Pain management.
  • Operational handling of biomedical and patient care testing equipment.
• Assist physicians and other licensed practitioners during invasive and non-invasive procedures.
• Educate patients and families about current health conditions, medical tests, medications, and wellness promotion.
• Supervise unlicensed assistive personnel to ensure optimal patient care.
• Facilitate interdisciplinary coordination of overall patient care.
• Document patient assessments, interventions, care provided, and teaching in the electronic medical record.
• Evaluate care provided and communicate patient status to the interdisciplinary team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to take call on nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating basis; must be within 30 minutes travel time to the facility.
• Excellent airway management skills.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and conversing effectively in English.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Flexible and able to prioritize and adapt to rapidly-changing patient and unit needs.
• Demonstrated effective teaching skills.
• Ability to respond effectively to patient crises and emergency situations.
• Proficient with computer systems, including electronic medical records.
• Consistent and punctual attendance is required.

Education/Certifications/Licenses/Degrees

• Licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of Oregon.
• American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required.
• American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac