Registered Nurse - PACU - Ambulatory Surgery Center

Summit Health•Berkeley Heights, NJ

22h•Onsite

About The Position

VillageMD is a physician-led, patient-centric network dedicated to simplifying healthcare and providing connected care. The network includes primary, multispecialty, and urgent care providers serving millions of patients through various operating companies like Village Medical, Summit Health, and CityMD. Joining the team means becoming part of a compassionate community focused on improving healthcare outcomes at a reduced cost through value-based care, integrated applications, population insights, and staffing expertise. The Registered Nurse in the PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) at an Ambulatory Surgery Center provides total comprehensive care to patients by applying the nursing process in an organized and systematic manner according to the Center’s policy, prioritizing patient safety. This role involves completing initial and ongoing patient assessments, interpreting clinical data, identifying and mitigating risk factors, and individualizing patient care. The nurse administers medications, manages patient care delivery, promotes safety, acts as a patient advocate, and addresses psychosocial and spiritual needs. Key responsibilities also include maintaining a safe environment, proactive communication with the healthcare team, participating in discharge planning, and accurate documentation. The role requires proficiency in computer systems for documentation and inventory, adherence to professional standards, continuous learning, and competent management of post-anesthesia patients, including emergency response and knowledge of anesthesia administration.

Requirements

Associates degree required
New Jersey State Nursing License required
BLS and ACLS required
2-4 years experience required
Ability to communicate in English, both orally and in writing required
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills required
Ability to perform diverse work assignments with time limitations with a high degree of accuracy required
Ability to use problem solving, critical thinking and priority setting skills required
Must be able maintain annual competencies

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred
PALS preferred
5+ years experience preferred
Experience with Standard Office Equipment (Phone, Fax, Copy Machine, Scanner, Email/Voice Mail) preferred
Experience with Standard Office Technology in a Window based environment preferred

Responsibilities

Provides total comprehensive care to patients by applying the nursing process in an organized and systematic manner according to the Center’s policy in keeping with patient safety principles
Completes initial assessment according to policy
Reassesses patient condition per policy
Interprets and utilizes clinical data in the plan of care
Assesses patient for potential risk factors and intervenes to mitigate risk and prevent harm
Recognizes and integrates patient special needs and individualizes care
Adheres to infection control standards specific to patient care
Assumes accountability for managing the delivery of patient care
Promotes safety in all activities
Acts as a patient advocate and uphold patient rights
Assesses and responds to individual, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of the patient
Administers medications correctly within the restrictions and limitations defined by the New Jersey State Practice Act and the Center’s policies and procedures
Prioritizes and organizes work assignment and adjusts priorities based on changing situations
Promotes and maintains a safe clean and orderly environment
Anticipates potential length of stay or discharge problems
Communicates proactively to the health care team plan of care changes in patient condition, the patient progress, the discharge plan and other relevant information
Participates in discharge planning
Initiates appropriate nursing measures
Communicates and documents change in patients condition to all appropriate individuals
Documents medication use and controlled substance
Appropriately secures patient belongings on admission and throughout discharge
Maintains open collaborative dialogue with the management team
Effectively communicates and interacts with physicians, patients, families and the public
Regularly attends staff meeting, orientations, and in-services
Services on assigned committees
Able to assist with teaching aseptic technique, safety program, infection prevention and control, and relevant nursing topics
Reports promptly and accurately all significant event and problems to the manager
Demonstrates knowledge and the skill understanding and using the Center’s computer system for documentation, charging list reports and inventory
Participates in training classes as needed
Maintains confidentiality of all information in the medical record and assigned computer codes
Maintains current knowledge of ambulatory postanesthesia / peri-operative nursing practice
Utilizes opportunities for professional growth by attending continuing education programs
Attends seminars and meetings relevant to PACU / Ambulatory Surgery as requested by the Center
Becomes involved with research, new equipment, procedures for the Center
Maintains and ensures dress code and decorum
Prominently wears name identification badge at all times
Introduces self to patients and patient family members
Promotes good image of Center to patients, physicians, vendors and community
Demonstrates professional behavior by being technically competent, skilled and responsive to the Center's customers in a compassionate, efficient and effective manner
Maintains competencies identified by the Center including but not limited to mandatory education, equipment and skill competency review lists, BLS, ACLS, and PALS as required by patient population
Makes self-knowledgeable as to the contents of the Center's Policy and Procedure Manual
Recovers patients per Recovery Phase I and II policy
Demonstrates knowledge of anesthesia agents
Interprets dysrhythmias, documents, and intervenes appropriately
Keeps family/significant others informed of patient progress
Demonstrates the ability and competency to respond quickly and efficiently in emergency situations
Demonstrates knowledge of surgical emergency preparedness, Malignant hypothermia. Cardiac Arrest, Latex Allergy
Maintains BCLS and code blue competency per policy
Recognizes changes in patient condition and responds appropriately
Reprioritizes and delegates other responsibilities during emergency situations
Functions calmly and efficiently
Proficient in the use of emergency equipment
Checks code cart and emergency equipment according to policy
Documents emergency intervention according to policy
Demonstrates the knowledge of nursing responsibilities regarding anesthesia administration: Able to describe AGA classification code for the surgical patient
Identifies agents and routes used in administration of anesthesia
Identifies risks of all phases of anesthesia and verbalizes nursing actions
Participates in the preparation of the patient for surgery
Maintains communication with reception area and O.R.’s to assure efficient movement of patients
Implements and insures that physician orders are performed including orders delegated to other health care professionals
Demonstrates understanding and interpretation of diagnostic measures such as lab tests, radiology exams and EKG
Ensures that the Code carts are fully equipped, defibrillators are in operational readiness and that daily checks are completed
Works flexible hours assuming responsibility and accountability for providing patient care
Maintains knowledge of asepsis, infection control and standard/universal precautions
Reduces chances of nosocomial infection by directing attention to infection preventing and control and environmental safety practices
Conducts patient postoperative follow up calls and completes all documentations within the defined timeframe
Performs preoperative assessments and reviews in a timely manner
Demonstrates the skill to assume charge nurse responsibilities in the absence of the nurse manager as assigned
Actively communicates and supports the Organization's Mission, Values, Ethics, Philosophy, Objectives, and Policies and Procedures
Demonstrates an understanding of how the success of the surgery center is linked to the success or failure of the customer process
Demonstrates safe habits in the work place with a concern for the safety of patients, families, and staff
Maintains current knowledge of the Center's Emergency Preparedness protocols and procedures
Applies OSHA standards
Provides a summary of post-op instructions to patients prior to discharge from the center
Identifies strategies to increase competency of team members