PACU Registered Nurse
Charleston, South Carolina
Roper St. Francis Healthcare - 316 Calhoun Street, Roper Hospital

Registered Nurse - PACU

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Employment Type: Travel Nursing
Contract Length: 12 weeks

Job Summary

Provide nursing care for patients in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) following established standards and the South Carolina Nurse Practice Act. Apply professional nursing theory and practice to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments addressing physical, psychological, socio-cultural, spiritual, cognitive needs, and functional abilities.
• Plan and prioritize patient care based on assessments; evaluate progress and revise care plans accordingly.
• Demonstrate clinical competencies specific to PACU nursing standards.
• Assess patient and family learning needs; provide education and evaluate effectiveness.
• Address ethical issues in patient care; provide non-judgmental care respecting patient diversity and rights.
• Collaborate with physicians and multidisciplinary teams to plan, deliver, and evaluate patient care.
• Advocate for patients and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, patient safety, and quality initiatives.
• Perform other duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in South Carolina.
• Minimum 2 years of Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) experience, including experience within the last year.
• Experience in an acute care setting.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of professional nursing theory and practice.
• Familiarity with organizational policies and patient care procedures.
• Ability to identify safety hazards and maintain a safe work environment.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and ability to maintain professional relationships with patients, staff, and physicians.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in emergency situations.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, crouching, stooping.
• Frequent lifting and moving of patients; ability to lift/move up to 50 lbs intermittently.
• Frequent use of hand/finger dexterity and reaching.
• Exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, and communicable diseases.
• Moderate noise levels.
• Work may involve stressful conditions, deadlines, and irregular hours.

Additional Notes

• Constant interaction with patients, families, physicians, employees, and visitors.
• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required.