Registered Nurse- PACU 07

Good Shepherd Health Care•Hermiston, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse specializing in perioperative practice provides nursing care during the pre-anesthesia, post-anesthesia Phase I, and post-anesthesia Phase II portions of the surgical experience. The nurse monitors patients undergoing local-only procedures in the operating room and may administer conscious sedation if certified. The role supports quality pre- and post-procedure care using the nursing process, established standards, and hospital policies and procedures. The nurse serves as a patient advocate and directs and supervises assigned personnel. The posting's overview states that no call is required, although the position definition also says the employee will be on call for the Post-Anesthesia Unit on a regular scheduled rotation. The employee supports the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.

Requirements

Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.
Current Registered Nurse license in the State of Oregon.
BLS, PALS, ACLS, and TNCC certifications.
One year of critical care experience or two years of medical-surgical experience.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Conscious sedation certification.
CAPA or CPAN certification.
Ultrasound Guided IV certification.
Previous experience in day surgery, PACU, pre-admission services, or an ambulatory surgery center.
Familiarity with glucometers, arterial lines, space labs, Epic charting, bladder scanners, ultrasound machines, Belmont rapid infusers, and blood warmers.

Responsibilities

Complete nursing assessments of patients in the preoperative and postoperative phases of care.
Perform patient admissions according to hospital standards of care.
Initiate and manage intravenous access.
Monitor heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and consciousness; report changes and intervene as appropriate.
Use the Aldrete scoring system during PACU care.
Maintain patients' airways and adequate respiratory function.
Perform interventions to maintain patients' genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems, as well as fluid and electrolyte balance.
Keep medical staff informed about patient status.
Administer pain medication and assess its effectiveness.
Treat postoperative nausea with medication and comfort measures.
Develop individualized peri-anesthesia plans of care.
Assist anesthesia staff with nerve blocks as needed.
Administer medications according to the eight rights of safe medication practices.
Assess surgical sites and perform interventions to maintain their integrity, enhance tissue perfusion, and prevent infection.
Perform interventions to maintain normothermia throughout the continuum of care.
Evaluate patients' and designated caretakers' knowledge and provide education on expected outcomes, medications, wound care, diet, activity, anesthesia side effects, when to seek medical care, signs of complications, and other needs.
Assess patients' progress toward desired outcomes.
Collaborate with other disciplines and nursing staff as needed.
Transfer patient care as needed.
Delegate tasks in accordance with Oregon State Board of Nursing guidelines.
Use critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills to build effective team relationships.
Pursue professional growth and development.
Advocate for patients and safeguard their privacy and health information.
Involve patients and/or support persons in decisions affecting the perioperative plan of care.
Follow safety protocols, including fall-risk and infection-control procedures.
Document accurately in the electronic medical record.
Maintain required competencies.
Participate in required education for applicable DNV programs.
Perform other related duties as assigned.