Position Summary:

RN provides direct patient care by utilization of the nursing process in accordance with the established policies and procedures of Southwestern Medical Center. Performs a variety of direct and indirect patient care duties within the scope of practice of license. Participates in the planning, implementing, and evaluating of nursing care. Maintains clinical competencies through continuing education.

SPECIFIC TASKS FOR PACU NURSE

· Completes an age specific physical, biological, and psychological assessment of the patients immediately on admission to the PACU. Assessments to include:

a. Verbal report from anesthesia personnel and circulating nurse.

b. Chart review.

c. Patient observation

· Reassesses patient through out recovery period to accommodate patient?s changing needs.

· Assesses patient according to established discharge criteria and doctor?s orders.

· Completes all documentation in a timely manner with a written PACU report on the medical record within two hours of discharge from the PACU

· Uses a collaborative interdisciplinary process to provide appropriate patient/family education.

· Prepares appropriate IV solutions in accordance with patient?s needs. 0 deficiencies to meet standard

· Checks ID and allergy band and starts IV solution with appropriate gauge angiocath per departmental procedures

· Administers medications as ordered. 1 deficiency to meet standards

· Monitors patient throughout recovery period per protocol, attending to physical/psychological needs through appropriate nursing interventions with special emphasis on hemostasis, pain control and normothermia

· Supervises, evaluates and monitors the care delivered by the LPN

· Assists with patient transportation as needed.

· Checks doctor?s post-op orders and notes. 0 deficiency to meet standards

· When discharge criteria is met, gives a comprehensive report to receiving nurse on the nursing unit

· Keeps surgeon/anesthesia provider informed of any unusual occurrences. 0 deficiencies to meet standard.

· Checks crash cart and does point of care testing daily

· Maintains control of Narcotic keys.

· Equips PACU stations with appropriate equipment per policy

· Uses order entry to transmit orders and department requests

· Prepares IV cart for next days? use

· Assists in establishing and maintaining standards of care for the PACU

· Demonstrates ability to set priorities.

· Assists in tracking lost charges

· Places high priority on department and organizational goals

· Works effectively/cooperatively with other departmental and hospital staff members

· Makes supervisor aware of any potential problems in regard to patient, procedure, or physician

· Serves as a resource with regard to infection control issues

· Completes departmental required training for Advanced Cardiac Life Support

· Completes Skills Checklist

· Obtains knowledge of departmental policies and procedures.

Licensure/Certification/Registration:

• Oklahoma State Board of Nursing License for Registered Nurses - Required
• BLS
• ACLS

Education:

• Graduate from an accredited professional nurse program (diploma, ADN, BSN). - Required

Experience:

• Minimum of one year clinical nursing.
• Minimal one year PACU experience required.

Special qualifications:

• Good oral and written communication skills.
•  Good computer skills.
• Good interpersonal skills.

About Southwestern Medical Center

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