PACU Registered Nurse Full-Time 8:00a - 8:30p

Children's National Hospital

1d•$44 - $64•Onsite

About The Position

The PACU Registered Nurse provides comprehensive postoperative care to a variety of pediatric patients in accordance with the legal scope of nursing practice, applicable laws and regulations, national and specialty nursing standards, and Children’s National policies and procedures. The RN is accountable for their own practice and serves as a clinical resource to staff in the patient care area, incorporating the healthcare team into care planning and delivery. The role requires responding effectively to complex clinical problems, conducting rapid patient assessments, and handling emergencies appropriately. The RN also supports evidence-based practice through participation in unit projects and activities. This is a full-time position with a scheduled shift of 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The listed pay range is $43.96–$63.99. A BSN from an approved school of nursing is preferred. Two years of PACU experience, or related clinical nursing experience in a comparable setting such as critical care or a pediatric emergency department, is required. Required credentials include a District of Columbia Registered Nurse license, CPR, and PALS. CPN and CPAN certifications are preferred. The position’s clinical duties include postoperative airway and cardiopulmonary management, pain treatment, management of epidural medications and nerve blocks, and monitoring for medication-related complications. The RN contributes to leadership, professional practice, structural empowerment, and safety through effective communication, teamwork, continuing professional development, adherence to standards, patient and family education, and advocacy for safe care. Children’s National offers comprehensive health coverage, paid time off, retirement and spending account benefits, employer-paid insurance coverage, tuition assistance, fitness resources, employee assistance, commuter benefits, and other perks. The organization describes a collaborative, supportive, family-centered care environment and emphasizes pediatric care, research, education, and innovation.

Requirements

Two years of PACU experience, or related clinical nursing experience in a comparable setting such as critical care or a pediatric emergency department.
Registered Nurse license in the District of Columbia.
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
Successfully complete hospital and nursing orientation at Children’s National.
Strong airway management skills and knowledge of anesthetic agents.
Strong organizational skills, adaptability to change, and ability to complete assignments on time.
Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills for patient care and unit or system issues.
Ability to maintain collegial and respectful relationships with peers, physicians, and other departments.
Ability to provide care based on best practices, benchmarks, and evidence in the literature.

Nice To Haves

BSN from an approved school of nursing.
Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN).
Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN).

Responsibilities

Evaluate and manage patients’ postoperative airways, including breakthrough laryngospasms, and apply knowledge of airway changes related to anesthesia and surgery.
Perform manual intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV).
Recognize relevant risk factors and make appropriate care decisions for patients and families.
Monitor cardiopulmonary function, airway patency, and oxygen saturation.
Provide prompt care to reduce emergence delirium and maintain patient safety during episodes.
Assess and treat postoperative pain promptly using appropriate interventions.
Manage epidural administration of local anesthetics and opioids, as well as patients with central neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks.
Monitor for complications associated with analgesics and act promptly to minimize adverse incidents.
Contribute to Magnet redesignation through involvement or leadership in committees, task forces, or community outreach.
Communicate and advocate for patients’ needs, help resolve system issues, use escalation procedures and the chain of command, and follow handoff processes.
Support and implement change, follow management decisions, and model empathy and helpfulness.
Maintain regulatory requirements, pursue professional development, provide constructive peer feedback, and promote safety, service excellence, education, and certification.
Coordinate healthcare team involvement, model professional teamwork, serve as a resource, and escalate issues when appropriate.
Analyze patient and family assessment data, complete the database and plan of care within required timeframes, and prioritize care for complex patients with changing needs.
Provide appropriate clinical interventions, maintain high standards of documentation, and anticipate and verify patient and family education needs through discharge.
Promote patient and workplace safety by speaking up about unsafe behavior, validating information, resolving uncertainty, communicating accurately and promptly, and using Stop, Think, Act, and Review.
Incorporate the healthcare team into planning and delivery of comprehensive patient care and participate in unit projects and evidence-based practice activities.

Benefits

Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, prescription, infertility, and transgender health services.
Paid time off, including vacation accrual from day one, sick leave, holidays, and a personal day.
401(k) plan.
Healthcare and dependent care spending accounts.
Employer-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage, with optional supplemental plans.
Tuition assistance.
Fitness resources.
Employee assistance.
Commuter benefits.
Additional perks.