Job Title: PACU RN
Profession: Registered Nurse
Specialty: Post Anesthesia Care Unit
Duration: 13 weeks
Shift: Day shift
Hours per Shift: 9 hours
Experience: Minimum of 2 years
License: License required
Certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS
Must-Have: Required certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS
Description:
Department: PACU
Number of Beds: 5 (Phase 1 and Phase 2)
Phase 1 in PACU is covered by PACU staff and travelers.
Phase 2 in ACU is for pre-op outpatient.
Nurse to Patient Ratios: 1-2:1.
Common Cases: General surgery, orthopedic total joint replacements, minor cases, ENT, urology, gynecology, cesarean sections, and podiatry.
Experience: Previous travel experience preferred.
2 to 5 years of PACU experience is preferred but strong candidates with less experience will be considered.
EMR System: Meditech.
Charge Nurse/House Supervisor: OR Charge RN, RNs are self-sufficient and can manipulate their assignments.
Nurse Aids: No aids are available on this unit.
RT Equipment: Majority of patients are extubated before PACU, with CPAP/BiPAP available.
ICU Patients: Occasionally, intubated patients are transported back to ICU after OR, for ICU care.
RNs read cardiac strips.
Shifts & Scheduling: Shifts are 9 or 10 hours that rotate to cover late discharges.
Schedules are set 4 weeks in advance for 6 weeks, with no self-scheduling.
Weeknight/Call Requirements: Average of 1 weeknight per week.
Weekend/Call Requirements: Average of one weekend every 5-6 weekends.
Holiday/Call Requirements: Call coverage is required.
Call Response Time: 30 minutes.
Floating Requirements: PACU RNs cover the pre-op holding room, assisting with antibiotic administration and fluids.
Scrub Color: Scrubs are provided.
Department specific orientation: 1-2 weeks with a preceptor required.
Note: All travelers with previous employment must disclose it for a DNU check.