PACU RN
Hermiston, OR
Emonics Healthcare
5x8 hrs, Evenings
Referral Bonus

The Registered Nurse specializing in perioperative practice performs nursing activities in the pre-anesthesia, post anesthesia Phase l, and post anesthesia Phase Il care of the patient's surgical experience. The recovery RN monitors patients having “local only” procedures in the OR and may administer conscious sedation, if certified.  Works to ensure provision of quality care of pre and post procedure patients through utilization of the nursing process, established standards of care, and policies and procedures. The peri anesthesia nurse acts as the patient advocate and is responsible for the direction and supervision of any personnel assigned. Will be on call for the Post-Anesthesia Unit on a regular scheduled rotation.  The employee supports the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures. 

Essential Job Functions:

• Completes nursing Assessments on patients in the pre and postoperative phase of care.

• Performs patient admissions according to hospital standard of care.

• Initiate and manage intravenous access.

• Closely observe patients for changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and consciousness.   Report and intervene as needed based on medical guidelines.

• Uses the Aldrete scoring system in PACU phase of care

• Ensure the patient maintains a patient airway and adequate respiratory function.

• Perform interventions to maintain the status of the patients’ genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological systems, and fluid and electrolyte balance. 

• Inform medical staff about the patient's status consistently.

• Administer pain medications and assess their effectiveness.

• Treat post-operative nausea using medications and comfort measures. 

• Develop an individualized peri anesthesia plan of care. 

• Assists anesthesia with various nerve blocks as needed.  

• Administration of medications using the 8 rights of safe medication practices.

• Assess and perform interventions to maintain the integrity of the patients’ surgical sites to enhance tissue perfusion and promote infection prevention.  

• Performing interventions to maintain normothermia throughout the continuum of care

• Evaluate the patient's and their designated caretaker's knowledge level. Provide education on expected outcomes, medication management, wound care, diet, activity, anesthesia side effects, when to seek medical care, signs and symptoms of complications, and any other necessary educational needs. 

• Assess patients’ progress towards desired outcomes. 

• Collaborate effectively with other disciplines and nursing staff as needed.  

• Transfer patient care as needed

• Delegate tasks by Oregon State Board of Nursing guidelines.

• Use critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills to build effective team relationships. 

• Pursing professional growth and development

• Advocate patients and safeguard their privacy and health information.

• Involve the patient and/or support person in decisions affecting their perioperative plan of care.  

• Adhere to safety protocols such as fall risk and infection control.

• Document accurately in the electronic medical record.

• Maintain required competencies. 

• The employee supports the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.

• Participates in required education for DNV programs as applicable to position (reference program education curriculum).

• Agency nurses will be floated to other departments where they are qualified to perform patient care before core staff is floated.

• Performs other related duties as assigned.

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, & TNCC.
• Preferred: Conscious sedation certification, CAPA/ CPAN certification, Ultrasound Guided IV certification. CRASE training. If travel assignment extends beyond a 6-month period, CRASE training will be required.

Experience

• Required: One-year Critical care experience or two years medical surgical experience.
• Preferred: Previous Day Surgery, PACU, Pre-admission services, or ambulatory surgery center experience.  Familiar with glucometer, art lines, space labs, epic charting, bladder scanner, ultrasound machines, Belmont rapid infuser, blood warmers.