Travel Nurse RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
Hermiston, OR
Wellspring Nurse Source
5x8 hrs, Days

Definition of Position: The Registered Nurse specializing in perioperative practice is responsible for performing nursing activities in the pre-anesthesia, post-anesthesia Phase I, and post-anesthesia Phase II care of patients during their surgical experience. This role involves monitoring patients undergoing “local only” procedures in the operating room and may include administering conscious sedation if certified. The perioperative nurse ensures high-quality care for pre and post-procedure patients through the nursing process, established standards of care, and adherence to policies and procedures. Acting as a patient advocate, the nurse supervises assigned personnel and participates in being on call for the Post-Anesthesia Unit on a regularly scheduled rotation. This role supports the overall mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures of the organization.

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct comprehensive nursing assessments on patients in pre and postoperative phases of care.
• Perform patient admissions according to hospital standards of care.
• Initiate and manage intravenous access as needed.
• Monitor patients closely for changes in vital signs and consciousness, reporting and intervening based on medical guidelines.
• Utilize the Aldrete scoring system during the PACU phase of care.
• Ensure maintenance of patient airway and adequate respiratory function.
• Perform interventions to support patients' genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological systems, and fluid/electrolyte balance.
• Communicate patient status effectively to medical staff.
• Administer pain medications and assess their effectiveness.
• Manage post-operative nausea with medications and comfort measures.
• Develop individualized peri-anesthesia plans of care.
• Assist anesthesia with various nerve blocks as needed.
• Adhere to the eight rights of safe medication practices when administering medications.
• Maintain surgical site integrity to enhance tissue perfusion and prevent infection.
• Ensure normothermia for patients throughout their care.
• Evaluate patients’ and their caretakers’ knowledge, providing education on outcomes, medication management, wound care, and other necessary topics.
• Assess progress toward desired outcomes and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Delegate tasks in compliance with Oregon State Board of Nursing guidelines.
• Utilize critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills to foster team relationships.
• Pursue professional growth and development opportunities.
• Advocate for patients' rights and privacy while safeguarding their health information.
• Involve patients and/or support persons in decisions affecting their perioperative care plan.
• Adhere to safety protocols, including fall risk and infection control measures.
• Document accurately in the electronic medical record.
• Maintain necessary competencies and participate in educational activities as applicable.
• 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, and CRASE training.

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 centers.

Physical Requirements:

This position requires the following physical and sensory functions necessary for the successful performance of the role:

• Auditory ability to detect and respond to patient alarms and verbal communication.
• Clear and effective communication skills for interacting with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Visual acuity for observing patient conditions and reading documentation.
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