PACU Registered Nurse Part-time Days

Community Health Systems•Fort Wayne, IN

About The Position

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides patient-centered care through assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The RN coordinates and delivers high-quality care based on established clinical protocols and physician/provider orders, collaborating with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to support effective care and desired outcomes in a compassionate environment for patients and families. In the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), the RN assesses patients as they awaken from anesthesia, evaluates and treats pain, observes for anesthesia side effects and postoperative complications, administers prescribed medications, manages IV fluids, checks and changes surgical dressings, and supports clear airways and oxygenation. The RN also educates patients and families about postoperative care, potential complications, and discharge instructions. This is a part-time, 0.5 FTE day position with a 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. schedule: three days one week and two days the following week. There are no scheduled weekends, but the position includes call and holiday call; call is once a month. The PACU has 16 bays and one isolation room, and the recovery room is open 24 hours.

Requirements

Strong knowledge of the nursing process and clinical nursing practices.
Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively.
Proficiency in administering medications and monitoring for side effects.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration with interdisciplinary teams.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting patient care.
Knowledge of safety standards, infection control, and quality-improvement initiatives.
RN — Registered Nurse state licensure and/or compact state licensure required.
BCLS — Basic Life Support required.
PACU or Critical Care experience.

Nice To Haves

ACLS — Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred.
PALS — Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred.
NRP — Neonatal Resuscitation preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.
Conduct thorough patient assessments, document findings accurately, and report changes in condition to appropriate care team members.
Use knowledge of human growth and development to provide age-appropriate care and education.
Administer prescribed medications, monitor for side effects, and document administration according to standards of practice.
Assist physicians during procedures within documented competency and skill level.
Collaborate with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans.
Respond to medical emergencies and participate in life-saving interventions, including CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.
Advocate for patients’ rights and needs and include their voices in care planning and delivery.
Educate patients and families about medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care.
Implement infection-control protocols to help prevent healthcare-associated infections.
Monitor and operate medical equipment, such as IV pumps, monitors, and ventilators, as needed.
Promote patient safety by adhering to National Patient Safety Goals and maintaining a clean, safe environment.
Participate in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks.
Make responsible decisions when planning, delegating, and providing care based on patient needs and organizational policies.
Document patient care and education promptly and thoroughly in the medical record.
Engage in professional development to maintain clinical competency and knowledge of current nursing standards and regulations.
Participate in performance-improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development.
Assess patients’ level of consciousness and responsiveness as they awaken from anesthesia.
Evaluate pain levels and administer prescribed pain medication.
Observe for anesthesia side effects, including nausea, vomiting, shivering, and muscle aches.
Monitor for and respond to postoperative complications.
Regulate IV fluids and monitor fluid balance.
Check and change surgical wound dressings.
Maintain a clear airway and provide oxygen support as needed.
Educate patients and families about postsurgical care, potential complications, and discharge instructions.