Registered Nurse - Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Registered Nurse - Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Job Summary
This role is for a dedicated Registered Nurse in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at an acute care facility in Moses Lake, Washington. The successful candidate will function as both a direct caregiver and a care manager, providing comprehensive post-operative care to a diverse patient population, including those undergoing total joint replacement procedures.
The PACU RN is responsible for implementing the nursing process, overseeing and directing the work of other caregivers, and ensuring optimal patient outcomes through skilled assessment, intervention, and evaluation. This position requires sound clinical judgment and collaborative interaction with physicians and multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform comprehensive patient assessments, focusing on physiological, psychosocial, and cognitive status in the post-anesthesia phase.
- Implement individualized patient care plans in adherence to established procedures, policies, and evidence-based practices.
- Identify patient and significant other learning needs, providing education as defined by policy and care plans.
- Accurately document patient care, observations, and interventions in the electronic medical record (EMR) or via paper processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to patient and family rights, ensuring equitable care regardless of background or ability to pay.
- Effectively delegate patient care activities and supervise assigned nursing and non-nursing personnel.
- Utilize critical thinking skills for effective organization, priority setting, and problem-solving in a fast-paced environment.
- Adhere to established lines of authority and organizational policies.
- May assume Charge Nurse responsibilities, including patient assignment, coordination of admissions, discharges, and transfers, staff break scheduling, and unit leadership.
- Maintain professional growth and development through continuing education and professional affiliations.
- Ensure adherence to all safety requirements, including infection control, equipment safety, fire protocols, disaster preparedness, and safe patient handling.
- Follow specific pathways and protocols for total joint replacement patients.
Required Qualifications
- Graduation from an accredited School of Nursing.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers (AHA or equivalent) within 30 days of hire.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification (AHA) within 6 months of hire.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Pediatric Advanced Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization (PEARS) certification (AHA) within 6 months of hire.
- Completion of 4 hours of orientation training for the Total Joint Program.