Travel Nurse RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
Hermiston, OR
Wellspring Nurse Source
3x12 hrs, Days

Definition of Position: The Registered Nurse specializing in perioperative practice performs nursing activities in the pre-anesthesia, post-anesthesia Phase I, and post-anesthesia Phase II care of patients undergoing surgical procedures. The recovery RN monitors patients having “local only” procedures in the operating room and may administer conscious sedation, if certified. The nurse ensures quality care for pre and post-procedure patients through the nursing process, established standards of care, and organizational policies. The peri-anesthesia nurse advocates for patients and oversees any assigned personnel. Regular rotation for on-call duties in the Post-Anesthesia Unit is required.

The employee supports the organization's mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct nursing assessments for patients in the pre and postoperative phases of care.
• Perform patient admissions per organizational standards.
• Initiate and manage intravenous access.
• Monitor patients for changes in vital signs, consciousness, and report and intervene as necessary based on medical guidelines.
• Utilize the Aldrete scoring system during the PACU phase.
• Ensure the maintenance of patient airway and adequate respiratory function.
• Execute interventions to maintain the integrity of patients’ surgical sites and enhance tissue perfusion.
• Administer pain management and evaluate effectiveness.
• Address postoperative nausea using pharmaceuticals and comfort measures.
• Develop individualized peri-anesthesia care plans.
• Support anesthesia during nerve block procedures as necessary.
• Adhere to the eight rights of safe medication administration.
• Execute interventions to preserve normothermia throughout care processes.
• Assess educational needs and instruct patients and caregivers on outcomes, medication management, wound care, and signs of complications.
• Evaluate patients’ progress toward desired outcomes and update care plans as necessary.
• Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams and nursing staff.
• Delegate tasks in accordance with state nursing board guidelines.
• Utilize critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Pursue opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Uphold patient advocacy and privacy regarding health information.
• Involve patients and/or support persons in decisions affecting their perioperative care plans.
• Follow safety protocols, including fall risk and infection control measures.
• Accurately document all patient interactions in the electronic medical record.
• Maintain required competencies.
• Participate in required education for relevant programs as applicable to the position.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Required: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
  • Preferred: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Licenses/Certifications/Registrations:
  • Required: Current Registered Nurse License in the State of Oregon, BLS, PALS, ACLS, and TNCC
  • Preferred: Conscious sedation certification, CAPA/CPAN certification, Ultrasound Guided IV certification, CRASE training (required if travel assignment exceeds six months).
• Experience:
  • Required: One year of critical care experience or two years of medical surgical experience.
  • Preferred: Previous experience in Day Surgery, PACU, pre-admission services, or ambulatory surgery center.

Physical Requirements:

The physical and sensory functions essential for successful performance include:

• Auditory ability to detect and respond to various sounds, including patient alarms and verbal communications.
• Effective verbal communication skills for interaction with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Visual acuity to observe patient conditions, read documentation, and distinguish colors for clinical purposes.
• Tactile perception for assessing physical characteristics during