Registered Nurse - Progressive Care Unit - Full Time/Nights - Req#1996809285

Job Objective :

The PACU RN under the supervision of the RN Manager and Director of Surgical Services, is responsible for the post-operative / post-procedural nursing care of patients undergoing surgical and / or other invasive / procedures in the Main PACU at Antelope Valley Hospital.

The RN shall function under the guidelines of ASPAN Standards, as well as the policies and procedures of the department and hospital.

Essential Duties :

• Meets all essential duties of a Registered Nurse
• Nursing Process
• Provides age and developmentally appropriate specialized nursing care to infant through geriatric patients in the immediate post-anesthesia period
• Manages care of critically unstable patient
• Observes and monitors by the methods appropriate to the patient's medical condition. This includes monitoring oxygenation, ventilation, circulation and temperature.
• Monitors invasive lines, initiates and monitors vasoactive drips.
• Monitors ventilator patients and intervenes when necessary.
• Initiates and operates various pain management equipment, i.e. PCA, Epidural, etc.
• Assesses patient for hypothermia and malignant hyperthermia and takes appropriate action
• Possesses knowledge of airway management and appropriate interventions
• Insures that patients have a safe post-operative / post-procedural period from general, regional or local anesthesia, including conscious sedation.
• Provides appropriate post-op / post-procedural education to patients and their families
• Possesses knowledge of "Core Measures" as it applies to the perioperative period (SCIP)
• Demonstrates exceptional customer service skills in dealing with patients, families and visitors

Skills and Abilities :

• Meets all skills and abilities of a Registered Nurse here at AV Hospital
• Must have 2 years of experience in ICU / CCU or hospital Main PACU
• Up to date knowledge of current drugs, trends and techniques in the care of perioperative / critically ill patients.
• The ability to function independently with strong critical thinking skills,
• Basic Computer skills
• Good communication, interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Interest in Professional growth as evidenced by participation in continuing education programs, committees and / or councils.

Required Licensure and / or Certifications :

• Meets all required licensure and / or Certification of a Registered Nurse in California.
• ACLS and PALS certification required at time of hire
• National certifications such as CPAN and CCRN are desirable.
• BSN preferred

Working Conditions :

• Required to take night as well as weekend call shifts in rotation with other PACU staff.
• Call shifts require 30 min response time.
• Available 8-10-12 hour shifts with mandatory weekend and holiday rotation

A detailed description of the physical requirements of this job is maintained in the Employee Health Department.

Job Objective :

A Registered Nurse is responsible for the nursing care of patients as established by the Nursing Practice Act of the Board of Registered Nursing of the State of California and as guided by policies and procedures of the hospital.

Duties and Responsibilities :

1. Nursing Process

• Applies nursing process in direct patient care :
• Provides accurate assessment and documentation of physiological, psycho social, cultural, developmental, socioeconomic, and spiritual needs of patient as evidenced by assessment within time frame appropriate for level of care
• Provides logical sequence of action, updates nursing care plan as evidenced by notations on care plan, provides evaluation each shift of patient’s progress In relation to the patient care plan, if applicable to area of care
• Provides Information to patient / family relating to educational resources available, Directs patient / family educational process
• Provides discharge planning beginning on admission with appropriate referrals and update as required by the patient
• Adheres to the admission and transfer criteria
• Adheres to all current policies and procedures in providing patient care and seeks clarification if needed.
• Evaluates and documents outcomes of medical, nursing, and ancillary team interventions
• Incorporates time management skills in accomplishing care

2. Nursing Care Delivery Process

• Knowledgeable regarding current nursing practices and procedures
• Demonstrates knowledge and use of resources and forms
• Demonstrates knowledge of hospital structure and administrative resources
• Demonstrates ability to interpret rules and regulations
• Knowledge of legal aspects of nursing care
• Demonstrates knowledge of legal documents pertinent to unit / area of care
• Demonstrates knowledge of Patient rights
• Acts as liaison between medical staff and patient care team

3. Technical Equipment

Able to operate technical equipment in area of care, safely, efficiently, and accurately

4. Environment

• Assists in maintenance of a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment
• Assesses safety / cleanliness of patient / unit environment and reports conditions requiring change
• Utilizes resources, equipment, and supplies efficiently and with cost awareness
• Reports hazardous conditions to appropriate department for correction
• Uses clean and aseptic techniques for protection of patients and personal safety
• Prevents contamination and / or transfer of Infection by use of the Exposure Control Plan and Standard Precautions in daily work
• Demonstrates knowledge of emergency codes

5. Leadership / Professionalism

• Supervises care provided by others
• Assumes responsibility for quality of care given
• Gives accurate and concise patient care report to appropriate persons
• Gives accurate, concise patient care reports
• Demonstrates knowledge of scheduling guidelines
• Maintains professional attitude and effective working relationships with fellow staff members, other departments, patients’ families, medical staff and volunteers
• Functions appropriately and effectively under pressure. Provides care as part of team effort in crisis or emergency situation
• Adheres to all privacy laws when dealing with confidential and protected health information (PHI)
• Maintains the confidentiality of patient, hospital and department information
• Adheres to the Code of Conduct
• Adheres to all Antelope Valley Hospital Compliance & Integrity Program policies and procedures including the duty to report compliance violations and the duty to disclose conflicts of interest
• Completion of all mandatory initial and annual training within assigned time frames per established guidelines
• Demonstrates ethical decision making, integrity, and a willingness to promote a culture of safety

6. Communication

• Communicates effectively with patients, families, visitors, and physicians
• Responsible for problem solving and crisis intervention related to physicians, patients, families, and staff
• Follows the Chain of Command and Conflict Management process established by AVH
• Displays a willingness to follow directions and to accept and utilize constructive criticism

7. Age Specific & Cultural Requirement

• Demonstrate knowledge regarding special needs and behaviors of age specific and cultural groups
• Participates in age specific and cultural educational and training programs
• Demonstrates proficiency in required age specific and cultural competencies

Non-Essential Duties :

• Participates on unit or hospital based committees
• Other duties as assigned, within compliance with Title 22, The Joint Commission, and CMS.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Knowledge

• Supports and adheres to the values and mission statement established by the AVH Board of Directors
• Conforms to required accreditation standards.
• Conforms with and supports hospital quality management and performance improvement guidelines

Skills

• Skill and ability to follow telephone etiquette / standards
• Displays a willingness to work as a team player
• Safely and effectively uses all equipment necessary to carry out duties

Abilities

• Ability to adhere to all established AVH policies and procedures and to interpret and function under these.
• Ability to organize work and establish priorities
• Ability to expand on own initiative in performance of duties
• Ability to function effectively under pressure and meet time parameters
• Ability to relieve clerical staff at desk, or to adopt any function commonly assigned to unlicensed
• assistive personnel, or as allowed within scope of nursing practice, as needed
• Ability to give and support the highest level of patient / customer satisfaction at all times
• Ability to be flexible in meeting staffing requirements of the facility
• Ability to meet basic health requirements and physical job standards

Education and Experience :

Education

Maintains current licensure, certifications, education, and physical health standards

Participates in mandatory and / or optional educational activities / offerings. Attends staff meetings regularly and as required by assigned unit

• Demonstrates knowledge and competency on hospital information technologies used in the designated patient care area.
• Successfully completes written and practical competencies annually or otherwise as assigned.

Experience

Two years’ acute care nursing preferred, new grad training provided as appropriate

Required Licensure and / or Certifications :

• Current California Registered Nursing license
• BCLS Certification
• ACLS, PALS, and / or other additional Certifications required for some specialty areas

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions :

• Work often performed under stressful, emotional, and physical conditions
• Accepts additional workload during times of unexpected circumstances, e.g., high activity, high census, and sudden emergencies
• May be exposed to contaminated instruments that may cause infections, burns, or cuts
• May also be exposed to wet and / or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, and risk of radiation

A detailed description of the physical requirements of this job is maintained in the Employee Health Department.

Education and Experience :

Education

Maintains current licensure, certifications, education, and physical health standards

Participates in mandatory and / or optional educational activities / offerings. Attends staff meetings regularly and as required by assigned unit

• Demonstrates knowledge and competency on hospital information technologies used in the designated patient care area.
• Successfully completes written and practical competencies annually or otherwise as assigned.

Experience

Two years’ acute care nursing preferred, new grad training provided as appropriate

Required Licensure and / or Certifications :

• Current California Registered Nursing license
• BCLS Certification
• ACLS, PALS, and / or other additional Certifications required for some specialty areas
23 days ago