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

Position Overview

The Registered Nurse specializing in perioperative practice performs essential nursing activities in the pre-anesthesia, post-anesthesia Phase I, and post-anesthesia Phase II care of patients undergoing surgical procedures. This role involves the monitoring of patients who are having "local only" procedures in the operating room and may include the administration of conscious sedation, if certified. The peri-anesthesia nurse ensures quality care for pre- and post-procedure patients by utilizing the nursing process and adhering to established standards of care, policies, and procedures. This position also includes acting as a patient advocate and supervising assigned personnel.

Essential Job Functions

• Conduct thorough nursing assessments on patients in the preoperative and postoperative phases of care.
• Perform patient admissions in accordance with hospital standards of care.
• Initiate and manage intravenous access.
• Monitor patients closely for changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and consciousness, reporting and intervening as necessary based on medical guidelines.
• Utilize the Aldrete scoring system during the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) phase.
• Ensure patients maintain a patent airway and adequate respiratory function.
• Perform interventions to maintain the status of various bodily systems and fluid, electrolyte balance.
• Consistently inform medical staff about the patient's status.
• Administer pain medications and assess their effectiveness.
• Manage post-operative nausea through medications and comfort measures.
• Develop individualized peri-anesthesia plans of care.
• Assist anesthesia with nerve blocks as needed.
• Ensure safe medication administration using the eight rights of medication practice.
• Assess and maintain the integrity of surgical sites to enhance tissue perfusion and prevent infection.
• Perform interventions to maintain normothermia throughout the continuum of care.
• Evaluate patients’ and caregivers' knowledge levels and provide education on expected outcomes, medication management, wound care, diet, activity, anesthesia side effects, and signs of complications.
• Assess patients’ progress towards desired outcomes.
• Collaborate effectively with other healthcare disciplines and nursing staff as necessary.
• Delegate tasks per Oregon State Board of Nursing guidelines.
• Utilize critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills to build effective team relationships.
• Engage in ongoing professional growth and development.
• Advocate for patients and protect their privacy and health information.
• Involve the patient and/or support person in decisions that affect their perioperative plan of care.
• Adhere to safety protocols such as fall risk assessments and infection control measures.
• Document all actions and observations accurately in the electronic medical record.
• Maintain required competencies and participate in education programs 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: Certification in conscious sedation, CAPA/CPAN certification, Ultrasound Guided IV certification, and CRASE training (if assignment extends beyond six months).

Experience

• Required: One year of critical care experience or two years of medical-surgical experience.
• Preferred: Experience in Day Surgery, PACU, pre-admission services, or outpatient surgical centers.
• Familiarity with glucometers, arterial lines, diagnostic labs, electronic charting systems, bladder scanners, ultrasound equipment, rapid infusers, and blood warmers.

Physical Requirements

This position requires sufficient auditory ability to detect and respond to various sounds including patient alarms and verbal communication. Clear and effective communication is essential, along with visual acuity for