Full time PACU RN

PACU Registered Nurse

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Under the guidance of the PeriAnesthesia Director, the PACU Registered Nurse is tasked with delivering peri-operative patient care that aligns with sound nursing judgment, regulatory requirements, and the organization's mission, vision, and values. This role involves providing both direct and indirect care to patients of all ages, employing the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation in accordance with the facility's policies and procedures.

Administrative duties encompass internal physician engagement, cost management, and compliance with staffing schedules. The nurse may supervise other Registered Nurses as needed and guide ancillary staff in both Pre-Operative and Post-Operative settings. Additionally, this position assists with administrative responsibilities related to Risk Management, Employee Health, Infection Control, Performance Improvement, and Clinical Recruitment/Retention. Collaborating with nursing leadership, the PACU Registered Nurse may also contribute to the creation and execution of policies and procedures that ensure cost-effective, safe, and high-quality care.

Maintaining a professional demeanor and appearance is essential, along with upholding patient, coworker, and facility confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA regulations. The nurse is expected to report any known or suspected violations of laws, regulations, or the organization's Code of Conduct in good faith. Completion of annual Cornerstone continuing education requirements is also necessary.

Key personal attributes include self-direction, accountability, professionalism, and adaptability to change. The nurse should seek guidance when necessary and be capable of working under pressure in demanding situations that require patience, stamina, and tact while delivering exceptional service. A commitment to teamwork and a willingness to assist others is vital, along with the ability to prioritize tasks, respond promptly to issues requiring decisions, and ensure consistent follow-through to achieve desired outcomes.

Patient Population:

The patient demographic served includes individuals aged 12 years and older, as well as geriatric patients requiring or seeking pain management or surgical interventions. Additionally, the outpatient department caters to patients from 6 months to geriatric age.

Physical Requirements:

Responsibilities may include lifting up to 50 pounds independently or up to 150 pounds with assistance. The role may also involve pushing or pulling weights with help. The job demands a medium level of physical activity, with walking or standing for most of the shift. Visual and auditory acuity, along with manual dexterity, are essential for performing designated tasks. Optimal hearing ability is required, and manual dexterity is necessary for handling equipment and instruments. The work environment is clean, well-lit, and organized, though it may expose the nurse to unpleasant sights, odors, stressful situations, and hazardous or infectious materials, necessitating sound judgment regarding safety precautions. Variations in climate control and ambient temperature may occur based on patient care needs and the surgical team's requirements. Irregular hours or unexpected extensions of duty may be necessary due to job demands.

OSHA Exposure Classification:Job Category I: Direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids, requiring adherence to standard precautions. Personal protective equipment will be provided and must be utilized.Qualifications:

• Eligibility for employment in the U.S. is required.
• Must be a graduate from an accredited nursing program with a current and valid Texas State Board of Nursing license as a Registered Nurse.
• BLS and ACLS certifications are required or must be obtained within 30 days of hire; PALS certification is required within 60 days of hire.
• A minimum of 2 years of nursing experience in ICU, Emergency Room, Recovery Room, or another critical care setting is necessary.
• Familiarity with professional nursing standards and adherence to them is expected.
• Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in the nursing field is essential.
• Understanding of state, federal, and accrediting body regulations and standards related to healthcare is required.
• Ability to effectively relate and collaborate with others is crucial.
• Proficiency in reading, writing, and communicating in English is necessary; knowledge of additional languages is preferred.
• Capability to comprehend both written and oral instructions is essential.
• Willingness to engage in goal-setting and educational activities for personal and professional development is expected.
• Basic computer literacy is required to perform essential job-related tasks.

Duties and Responsibilities:

PEOPLE

1. Complies with staffing schedules, attendance policies, and collaborates on daily assignments as needed.
2. All full-time Registered Nurses are expected to participate in the On-Call rotation for PACU.
3. Exhibits teamwork skills, demonstrating appropriate delegation while directing and supervising ancillary personnel in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating patient care in pre-operative and post-operative clinical areas according to accepted standards. May be asked to take on charge duties.
4. Provides direct patient care in assigned clinical areas, showcasing clinical competence.
5. Participates in the orientation of new staff, ensuring that facility morale reflects the mission and values of the organization.
6. Demonstrates timely and constructive problem-solving abilities, maintaining focus on improving situations.
7. Willingness to educate others and engage in competency programs is encouraged.
8. Completes Cornerstone modules in a timely manner each year.
9. Attends all departmental and facility staff meetings for informative and educational purposes.
10. Maintains skills necessary to be fully cross-trained in all areas of PeriAnesthesia and participates in the weekend PACU call schedule unless employed on a PRN basis.

SERVICE

1. Exhibits strong communication skills with staff, management, physicians, patients, and family members.
2. Establishes and maintains exceptional service standards for all customers, including physicians, patients, and employees, aiming to exceed expectations.
3. Engages in service recovery by taking ownership of issues and resolving problems, keeping customers informed about clinical operations and providing comfort and assistance throughout the process.
4. Models appropriate interactions with physicians, patients, and staff to ensure a high level of service across all responsibilities.
5. Reviews daily schedules and prepares patient care areas based on the types of procedures and specific patient care needs.
6. Communicates necessary status changes to physicians, family members, and other staff as required.

QUALITY

1. Initiates physical and psycho-social assessments and develops pre-operative care plans, identifying patients and obtaining informed consent.
2. Completes and documents pre-operative interviews, obtains necessary diagnostic test results, and notifies relevant physicians and staff of any variances or concerns.
3. Documents post-operative phone calls and reports any issues or concerns.
4. Completes the Post-Anesthesia record and ensures all patients meet discharge criteria before leaving; provides post-operative instructions to all patients.
5. Ensures the delivery of quality clinical care through participation in benchmarking programs.
6. Adheres to facility clinical policies and procedures.
7. Maintains a safe clinical environment, following all patient care safety protocols.
8. Participates in performance improvement initiatives.
9. Ensures medical record documentation is accurate, legible, and compliant with federal and accrediting standards.
10. Engages in quality improvement activities.

FINANCE

1. Strives to conserve resources and minimize costs whenever possible.
2. Assists in implementing cost-saving initiatives for the department.
3. Communicates ideas for cost containment and expense reduction.
4. Maintains appropriate staffing levels, ensuring overtime remains below established benchmarks.
5. Ensures accurate medical record documentation for all cases.

GROWTH

1. Through competency and customer service, contributes to the growth of the facility.
2. Shares service line development ideas with facility leadership.
3. Engages in customer service discussions with physicians as part of facility marketing efforts.

Equal Opportunity Employer
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