PACU Registered Nurse Part-time Days

Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation•Fort Wayne, IN

20h

About The Position

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides patient-centered care through the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The role 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 PACU, the RN cares for patients recovering from anesthesia, assessing consciousness and responsiveness, managing pain, monitoring for anesthesia side effects and postoperative complications, administering prescribed medications, regulating IV fluids, changing surgical dressings, maintaining airways and providing oxygen as needed, and educating patients and families about postsurgical care and discharge instructions. The position is part-time at 0.5 FTE, with day hours of 9:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. The schedule is three days one week and two days the next week. There are no regular weekends, but call and holiday call are required; call is once a month. The PACU has 16 bays and one isolation room, and the recovery room is open 24 hours.

Requirements

Current RN (Registered Nurse) state licensure and/or compact state licensure.
Basic Life Support (BCLS) certification.
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.
PACU or critical care experience is indicated for the role.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
Neonatal Resuscitation (NRP) certification.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and deliver patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.
Conduct patient assessments, document findings, and report changes in condition to appropriate care team members.
Provide age-appropriate care and education using knowledge of human growth and development.
Administer prescribed medications, monitor for side effects, and document administration.
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 in care planning and delivery.
Educate patients and families about conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care.
Follow infection control protocols and promote patient safety, including adherence to National Patient Safety Goals.
Monitor and operate medical equipment, such as IV pumps, monitors, and ventilators, as needed for care and safety.
Participate in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks.
Use responsible decision-making when planning and delegating care.
Document patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical record.
Engage in professional development to maintain clinical competency and current nursing knowledge.
Participate in performance improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development.
In the PACU, assess patients’ consciousness and responsiveness as they emerge from anesthesia.
Evaluate pain and administer prescribed pain medication; observe for anesthesia side effects and postoperative complications.
Administer prescribed postoperative medications and regulate IV fluids while monitoring 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.
Participate in call and holiday call; call is once a month.