JOB SUMMARY
To act as patient advocate, providing continuity of care designed to meet individual patient needs through collaboration with other members of the health care team at Hospital. Supports the philosophy, objectives and goals of the PACU nurse will ensure quality care to the individual patients recovering from surgery including but not limited to geriatric, adult pediatric, neonatal, and adolescent patients.
Reports To: PACU Supervisor
Classification: Non-Exempt
QUALIFICATIONS
Licensure as Registered Nurse. Minimum one year experience in PACU or ICU preferred.
Current PALS and ACLS certification.
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
Category I exposure to bloodborne pathogens, frequent exposure to chemical hazards and may encounter radiation hazards.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Duties of the RN opening RR for the day include:
1.1 Opening fire doors and unlocking back door.
1.2 Provide Rx pads for Surgeon's scheduled for the day.
1.3 Check crash cart (Adult and Pedi) and 02 tank.
1.4 Count narcotics with another nurse and replenish supply of narcotics.
1.5 Check suction equipment in each room and turn on monitors.
1.6 Check and record temperature in refrigerator and two freezers.
1.7 Stock supplies, linens, IV fluids, medicines, etc.
- Post‑operative care of the surgical patient includes:
2.1 Airway maintenance.
2.2 Stabilization of vital signs.
2.3 Safe emergence from anesthesia.
2.4 Control of pain and nausea by administration of drugs.
2.5 Orientation to surroundings.
2.6 Administration of special equipment (i.e., ice bags, post-op shoes, slings).
2.7 Offer nourishments.
3. Follows proper procedures regarding exposure to Category I tasks.
4. Follows proper procedures for handling hazardous waste materials.
5. Documents vital signs, nurse's notes and drugs administered on Recovery Room Nurse record.
6. Notes and follows physicians' orders. (Both surgeons and anesthesiologists).
7. Reviews discharge instructions and educates patient and/or responsible adult with appropriate information to alleviate fears and maintain optimal post‑op care in the home environment.
8. Obtains discharge order from anesthesiologist or surgeon (if local anesthesia) prior to discharge.
9. Makes Post Op calls of previous days' patients to check patient's condition. Records complications and document all transfers to hospital in Recovery Room Log and files QA Variance Report with Supervisor.
10. Observation and discharge of endoscopy patients.
11. Assists with nerve blocks performed by anesthesiologist in the PACU area.
12. Cleans gurneys and cribs after each patient and restocks supplies.
- Just prior to leaving, does the following:
13.1 Re‑verifies narcotic count.
13.2 Locks drug cupboards.
13.3 Turns off all appliances.
13.4 Secures medical charts in medical records department; prescription pads in narcotic cabinet.
13.5 Closes supply closet door.
13.6 Assures all O2, suction, and monitoring equipment is turned off.
13.7 Turns off all lights.
13.8 Closes double doors.
14. Performs duties of waived and specific non-waived I-stat laboratory testing to include pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic phases of testing. This includes specimen collection and processing, instrument operating and quality controls, evaluation and documentation of test results and notification of physician of any critical results.
- Comply with facility Standards of Behavior and complete all required education assignments within the designated timeline.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
1. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
2. While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, converse, and listen; use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
3. The employee must be able to lift and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis and be able to push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis.
4. The employee must be able to stand and/or walk at least five hours per day.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.