Registered Nurse Prep/PACU - Ambulatory Surgical Center - Full Time

Prevea Health•Green Bay, WI

About The Position

At Prevea Health the Prep/PACU Nurse provides comprehensive care to surgical patients before and after their procedures, including assessing physical and emotional needs, administering medications, starting IVs, monitoring vital signs, and educating patients and families on post-operative care. This involves preparing patients for surgery and assisting them with the transition from anesthesia to an awake state in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), as well as preparing them for discharge.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited and approved Nursing program Required
Current and valid Registered Nurse license with the state of Wisconsin Upon Hire Required
CPR certification- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support and PALS for Healthcare Providers certification from an approved program. Upon Hire Required
Understanding the different types of anesthesia and the effects of anesthetic agents and sedatives is critical. Nurses also need to be familiar with the various surgical procedures to anticipate potential complications.
Comprehensive knowledge of medications used during and after surgery including analgesics, sedatives and reversal agents.
In-depth understanding of the human body's systems, with a particular focus on how surgery and anesthesia can affect the cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological systems.
Knowledge of ASC policies and procedures, and national patient safety goals, as well as an understanding of quality improvement processes.
The ability to quickly and accurately assess a patient's condition, including vital signs, airway patency, pain level, and neurological status.
Proficiency in initiating and managing intravenous therapy, including medication and blood product administration.
The skill to interpret complex hemodynamic monitoring, electrocardiograms, and oxygen saturation levels to identify changes that could impact the patient.
The skill to manage airways, including readiness to assist with intubation as well as management of laryngospasms or bronchospasms.
Skillfully communicating with patients, families, surgeons, and anesthesiologists to provide and coordinate care.
Effectively providing clear and concise instructions to patients and families regarding their pre-operative and post-operative care.
The ability to assess, manage and evaluated the effectiveness of pain relief strategies.
The ability to synthesize and analyze patient information to make sound nursing judgements and quickly identify potential problems.
The composure to remain calm and focused during high-stress situations and emergencies.
The ability to to adapt to a fast-paced, ever-changing environment with varying patient acuities.
Functioning as an integral member of a multidisciplinary healthcare team to provide seamless and efficient care.
The ability to manage multiple tasks and patients at different stages of care, prioritizing interventions based on patient need.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Preferred
1-3 years Previous experience working on an Electronic Medical Record Preferred
1-3 years Previous experience in preop, PACU and discharge Preferred

Responsibilities

Monitor vital signs and patient responses to interventions, documenting and communicating findings to the appropriate team members.
Perform patient teaching and post-operative follow-up to ensure understanding of procedures, recovery, and discharge instructions.
Assess patient needs based on preadmission history, scheduled procedures, and physician preferences. Provide education and preparation to ensure patients are ready for surgery.
Complete accurate, concise, and timely charting; relay special requests and pertinent information to the appropriate personnel to ensure coordinated care.
Initiate IVs, verify operative consents, and perform order entry based on surgeon preference. Maintain and update physician order sets, smart phrases, and discharge instructions in EPIC.
Conduct chart reviews and post-operative calls, with occasional pre-admission calls as needed, while managing all other patient communications to support safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.
Deliver high-quality patient care across pre-procedure, intra-procedure, and post-procedure phases, ensuring safety, comfort, and adherence to discharge criteria.
Develop and implement individualized plans of care based on nursing assessments, diagnoses, and established standards of practice.
Demonstrate knowledge and application of infection control practices and function effectively in emergency or high-stress situations.
Maintain respect and professionalism in all interactions with patients, families, and colleagues. Provide instruction and feedback to float personnel, students, and new employees.