PACU Registered Nurse

Surgery Partners Careers•Altoona, WI

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The PACU Registered Nurse provides critical, high-quality care to patients recovering from anesthesia following surgical or procedural interventions. In a fast-paced environment, the RN continuously monitors patients, manages pain and post-anesthesia symptoms, and responds to urgent clinical needs during the immediate postoperative period. The position is 0.6 FTE, or 24 hours per week, working 12-hour shifts, and participates in the department’s on-call rotation. The RN may also be cross-trained and assigned to other nursing departments within the hospital.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) from an accredited nursing program.
Current licensure in the State of Wisconsin.
BLS certification required upon hire.
Must be able to achieve ACLS and PALS certification within six months of hire.
Eligibility for employment in the United States.
Must possess a cell phone that interfaces with the organization’s secure messaging system.
Knowledge of medical terminology, electronic medical record systems, and quality assurance and accreditation standards.
Understanding of HIPAA regulations, patient confidentiality laws, and patient rights.
Effective verbal and written English communication skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy; ability to produce quality work.
Ability to meet customer service standards and demonstrate basic computer proficiency.
Ability to prioritize workload according to urgency and importance.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Commitment to ongoing learning and staying up to date on job-specific trends, policies, and technologies.
Ability to demonstrate organization-wide performance review competencies.

Nice To Haves

Previous PACU, CCU, or ER nursing experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Advocate for patients’ rights, preferences, and needs, and provide compassionate, individualized care.
Maintain a professional demeanor and appearance and protect the confidentiality of patients, coworkers, and the organization.
Assess patients’ health problems and needs; develop, implement, and evaluate care in collaboration with the healthcare team.
Educate patients and families about health conditions, medications, treatment, and postoperative care.
Follow infection control protocols and safety standards in patient care.
Record care information accurately, completely, and promptly.
Respond to emergencies using appropriate interventions.
Report and document unusual events, safety concerns, and incidents according to organizational policies and procedures.
Participate in the department’s on-call rotation and promptly respond to call-ins as needed to support patient care and surgical services.
Continuously assess vital signs, airway, consciousness, pain, and surgical site for post-anesthesia stability.
Manage airways, administer oxygen, suction as needed, and respond rapidly to respiratory or cardiac complications and other changes in condition.
Administer prescribed medications and interventions for pain, nausea, and other postoperative symptoms, and monitor their effectiveness.
Recognize early signs of postoperative complications or adverse reactions and promptly report them to anesthesia and the provider.
Document assessments, interventions, medications, and patient responses in the medical record in a timely manner.
Provide postoperative instructions and emotional support, and ensure patients and caregivers understand recovery expectations before transfer or discharge.
Collaborate with anesthesia, surgical teams, and inpatient units to ensure safe and efficient handoffs and transitions of care.
Safely transfer patients to the appropriate unit or discharge them according to protocol once discharge criteria are met.
Ensure accurate care and handling of specimens.
Check and monitor equipment used during surgery, remove malfunctioning equipment from service, and report it appropriately.
Review provider postoperative instructions and prescriptions with patients and families.
Assist with patient positioning and attend to patient comfort and safety.
Carry out essential functions when cross-trained or assigned to other nursing departments.
Use the organization’s secure messaging platform according to departmental protocols, including timely receipt of and response to communications.
Perform other duties as assigned.