Per Diem PACU Registered Nurse RN

Job Summary :

The PACU RN performs nursing care for the patient in the immediate post-op / post anesthesia period assessing and documenting patient status.

Upon arrival in the recovery room, the PACU RN provides nursing care to meet patient needs related to surgical condition and type of anesthesia administered, monitors patient and informs surgeon and anesthesia provider of observed complications.

By employing critical thinking, assessment, diagnostics, outcome identification, planning, and evaluation skills, the PACU RN directs the nursing care for the benefit of the patient, whose protective reflexes or self-care abilities are compromised by the procedure.

Essential Job Functions :

• Plans and directs all nursing care for patients while in the recovery room
• Provides high quality nursing care through patient assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation
• Advocate for the patient’s safety
• Exhibits accuracy in recording, interpreting, and responding to a continuous stream of data and serves as the guardian of the patient’s well-being by utilizing critical thinking skills
• Prepares, administers, and records prescribed medications
• Responds to life-saving situations based upon nursing standards and protocol
• Uses equipment effectively by anticipating patient needs and providing appropriate care
• Reviews postoperative instructions and prescriptions from the surgeon with patient and significant other and documents in the patient record
• Informs the patient and family about appropriate care and procedure to follow upon returning home
• Determines that the patient and significant other understand the conditions that require immediate care and the method to obtain immediate care
• Records all care information concisely, accurately, and completely, in a timely manner in the appropriate format and on the appropriate forms
• Assists in positioning and responding to the comfort and safety of the patient
• Observes and enforces strict standards of asepsis
• Reports all occurrences in a timely manner
• Regular and prompt work-site attendance
• Performs other duties as they are assigned

Qualifications, Knowledge & Ability :

• Demonstrates eligibility for employment in the U.S.
• Current licensure in the State of Wisconsin
• BLS certification is required upon hire
• Must be able to achieve ACLS and PALS certification within six months of hire
• Ability to relate and work effectively with others
• Demonstrated skills in verbal and written English communications for safe and effective patient care and to meet documentation standards
• Willingness to participate in goal-setting and educational activities for own professional advancement
• Previous PACU, CCU, or ER nursing experience is preferred
• Is aware of professional nursing standards and performs in accordance with them
30+ days ago