Registered Nurse PACU

Company Set•Morton Grove, IL

27d

About The Position

Provides nursing care to surgical patients in the immediate post-anesthetic period, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care. The PACU RN delivers recovery nursing care and maintains the clinical, communication, and personal knowledge and skills needed to provide safe and effective patient care. The role represents the facility in interactions with patients, physicians, referral sources, visitors, coworkers, supervisors, vendors, and others, using friendly, courteous, respectful, cooperative, and professional conduct that supports teamwork and positive relations. The nurse uses the nursing process throughout patient care, assesses patients across the age groups served, organizes and updates individualized plans of care, communicates and documents patient information, and supports admission, discharge, patient education, and post-anesthesia care. The position also includes clinical leadership, patient advocacy, safety and quality improvement activities, preparation of rooms and equipment for surgery, medication-control documentation, and maintaining a clean and safe work environment. IBJI is an orthopedic group practice serving northern Illinois and northwest Indiana through more than 100 locations. Its services include orthopedic care, imaging, pain management, therapy, wellness, sports training, walk-in clinics, and regional ambulatory surgery centers.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
Valid State of Illinois Registered Nurse license.
BLS certification.
ALS certification.
Ability to communicate effectively and present information to patients, families, coworkers, and others, verbally and in writing.
Ability to set priorities and demonstrate superior interpersonal skills.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic, including calculations involving whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, ratios, rates, and percentages.
Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including frequently lifting or moving up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
PALS certification.
At least one year of experience.
Ambulatory surgery center experience.
Knowledge of medical terminology.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate competency in procedures within the scope of practice for the patient age groups served: infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric.
Use the nursing process in all aspects of patient care and complete activities according to established policies, procedures, and protocols.
Communicate accurate and timely information about patients and their care, and record pertinent information clearly and promptly.
Maintain positive interpersonal relationships and use appropriate communication channels.
Assess patient health status through interviews, physical assessments, record review, and consultation with perioperative team members; recognize age-related normal and abnormal findings.
Organize and prioritize a plan of care that integrates prescribed treatments, nursing assignments, diagnostic data, and the surgical plan; gather supplies, X-rays, instruments, and equipment for cases.
Complete patient admissions and ongoing chart reviews; complete required laboratory work and start IVs in a timely manner.
Evaluate progress toward outcomes and discharge criteria, provide discharge instructions, validate the patient’s or significant other’s ability to manage continuing care, and conduct post-operative phone calls.
Educate patients and significant others on medication use and food-drug interactions, medical equipment when applicable, and when and how to obtain further treatment; implement patient education protocols.
Implement post-anesthesia care orders and standing orders for critical care emergencies; demonstrate knowledge of critical care medications and administer them according to policy.
Adjust plans of care to meet outcomes and document care legibly and in accordance with facility guidelines and protocols.
Restock supplies and perform appropriate unit cleaning functions.
Participate in conferences, committee meetings, and educational programs as needed.
Obtain appropriate patient health histories and participate in patient-safety practices.
Demonstrate sound judgment and decision-making, advocate for patients’ physical and psychological needs, and serve as a preceptor and orient new surgical team members.
Communicate effectively and recognize and intervene in stressful situations involving patients, significant others, or team members.
Explain procedures and treatments to patients to gain cooperation and understanding and reduce apprehension.
Administer prescribed medications and treatments using approved nursing techniques; prepare equipment and assist physicians during treatment and examination.
Monitor patient comfort and safety; observe and document significant conditions and reactions and notify a supervisor or physician of changes, reactions to drugs or treatments, and significant incidents.
Measure temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs; respond to life-saving situations according to nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocols.
Document nursing histories and physical assessments for assigned patients and initiate individualized patient and family education plans as prescribed by the physician or facility policy.
Prepare rooms, sterile instruments, equipment, and supplies for surgery.
Maintain medication-control logs and documentation, participate in facility quality improvement activities, and keep knowledge, certifications, and licensure current.
Maintain a clean and safe work environment and perform other duties as assigned.