Registered Nurse PACU

Company Set•Westmont, IL

About The Position

The Registered Nurse PACU provides nursing care to surgical patients in the immediate post-anesthetic period at an outpatient ambulatory surgery center. The role involves assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care, including admission, recovery, and discharge activities. The nurse maintains the clinical, communication, and personal knowledge and skills needed to provide safe and effective care, and works professionally and collaboratively with patients, families, physicians, colleagues, and others to support positive patient outcomes and service quality. The nurse cares for patients across infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups. Responsibilities include applying the nursing process, documenting care, communicating patient information, implementing post-anesthesia and emergency orders, administering medications and treatments, educating patients and caregivers, and supporting patient safety and facility quality improvement. The role also includes preparing rooms and equipment, maintaining supplies and a clean work area, and contributing to team orientation and education. The position requires graduation from an accredited nursing program, an active Illinois Registered Nurse license, and BLS and ALS certifications. A BSN is preferred, as are PALS certification, at least one year of experience, and ambulatory surgery center experience. Compensation is $35–$45 per hour, depending on experience. Benefits are available to employees working at least 30 hours per week.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
Valid State of Illinois Registered Nurse license.
BLS certification.
ALS certification.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with patients, families, coworkers, and others.
Ability to set priorities and present information effectively.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from patients, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
Ability to perform basic arithmetic using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, and to compute ratios, rates, and percentages.
Superior interpersonal skills.

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

Provide nursing care to surgical patients during the immediate post-anesthetic period and throughout recovery.
Assess patient health status through interviews, physical assessments, record review, and consultation with the perioperative team, recognizing age-related normal and abnormal findings.
Use the nursing process to plan, implement, and evaluate patient care in accordance with policies, procedures, and protocols.
Organize and prioritize care in coordination with the surgical plan, including gathering supplies, X-rays, and instruments or equipment.
Complete admission activities, ongoing chart review, required laboratory work, and IV placement in a timely manner.
Evaluate progress against outcomes and discharge criteria, provide discharge instructions, and validate that patients or caregivers can manage continuing care needs.
Provide patient and caregiver education on medications, medical equipment, further treatment, and ongoing health needs; conduct postoperative phone calls as appropriate.
Implement post-anesthesia care orders and standing orders for critical care emergencies; administer critical care medications according to policy.
Adjust the plan of care as needed, document patient condition and care legibly and accurately, and communicate timely information about patients and their care.
Demonstrate positive, professional interpersonal relationships and use appropriate communication channels with patients, families, and coworkers.
Advocate for patients' physical and psychological needs; explain procedures and treatments to promote understanding and cooperation.
Administer prescribed medications and treatments, prepare equipment, and assist physicians during treatment and examination.
Monitor patient comfort and safety, observe and record significant conditions and reactions, and notify a supervisor or physician of relevant changes or incidents.
Measure temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and other vital signs, and respond to life-saving situations according to nursing standards and facility protocols.
Document nursing history and physical assessments and initiate individualized patient education plans.
Prepare rooms, sterile instruments, equipment, and supplies for surgery; restock supplies and perform appropriate unit cleaning.
Maintain medication-control logs and documentation, participate in patient-safety practices and quality-improvement activities, and maintain a clean and safe work environment.
Serve as a preceptor and orient new members of the surgical team; participate in conferences, committee meetings, and educational programs as needed.
Maintain current knowledge, certifications, and licensure, and perform other duties as assigned.