Preoperative/PACU RN
Yakima, WA
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Days

Registered Nurse, Preop/PACU

Location: Yakima, Washington
Employment Type: Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift: Day Shift (3 twelve-hour shifts: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, based on surgery schedule)

Job Summary

Provide nursing care to patients in the preoperative and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) by assessing, planning, implementing, evaluating, and documenting care according to professional nursing standards and organizational policies. Accountable for the quality of nursing services delivered personally or by those under direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess physical, psychological, social, spiritual, educational, developmental, cultural, and post-operative planning needs of patients.
• Review patient history, physical exams, diagnostics, and lab data; report abnormal results to physicians and caregivers.
• Develop and initiate individualized plans of care, including discharge planning, in collaboration with patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Implement care based on physician orders and nursing plans, ensuring compliance with policies, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Communicate patient status effectively to other caregivers to promote continuity of care.
• Evaluate patient and family responses to care and teaching; revise plans as needed.
• Document all nursing activities and patient responses accurately and timely.
• Participate in evidence-based practice and may engage in clinical research activities.
• Support education, orientation, precepting, and mentoring of staff, students, and others.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives and professional nursing organizations.
• May provide relief charge nurse duties as needed.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, squatting, reaching, and stretching.
• Physical agility and quick reaction time to respond to patient needs.
• Adequate hearing, vision (including color vision), fine motor skills, and eye-hand coordination required.
• Ability to assist patients with ambulation and transfers; may lift up to 75 pounds.
• Use of standard precautions due to exposure risk to blood and bodily fluids.
• Effective communication skills in person and via telephone.
• Periodic use of computer, phone, and general office equipment.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Washington State.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).
• Minimum of 2 years of recent experience in PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care, including experience within the last year.
• Experience in ambulatory care.
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications.

Additional Information

• No direct supervisory responsibilities.
• Interacts with multidisciplinary teams, patients, families, external healthcare providers, and community resources.
• Provides spiritual support coordination as needed.