RN | Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Logan Health Medical Center•Kalispell, MT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The moments immediately following anesthesia are some of the most important in a patient's surgical journey. As a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) RN at Logan Health, you'll provide skilled, attentive care as patients transition from anesthesia through recovery, helping ensure they are safe, comfortable, and ready for the next step in their care. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced RN who thrives in a fast-paced clinical environment, enjoys caring for a diverse patient population, and knows how to stay calm and think critically when patient conditions change quickly. Our PACU nurses work closely with anesthesia providers, surgeons, procedural teams, and fellow nurses to provide individualized care for post-procedural and post-anesthesia patients. From assessment and intervention to pain management, education, and discharge planning, you'll play an essential role in creating a safe and positive recovery experience.

Requirements

Current Montana RN license or a multi-state compact RN license with authorization to practice in Montana.
Minimum of two (2) years of nursing experience in a similar medical setting , such as PACU, procedural sedation, ICU, or Emergency Department.
Current BLS/Healthcare Provider CPR certification as required by the department.
Current ACLS certification .
Strong clinical assessment, critical thinking, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to respond effectively to changing patient conditions and workloads.
Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Knowledge of professional nursing practice, infection prevention, patient confidentiality, and applicable healthcare safety standards.
Basic computer proficiency and ability to learn electronic systems and other software required for the role.
Possess knowledge of professional nursing theory, medical terminology and principles of professional nursing practice to administer and evaluate patient care.
Healthcare Provider (HCP) CPR and/or BLS certification required as dictated by each practice/service line.
Additional current certifications of ACLS is required.
Understanding of the confidentiality laws that govern the provider-patient relationship, including but not limited to, HIPAA guidelines.
Knowledge of equipment, supplies, and instruments used in a recovery room; simple routine clinical laboratory methods, universal blood and body fluid precautions.
Must have knowledge of OSHA rules and regulations, established protocol for storing poisons, narcotics, acids, caustics, and flammable items; restriction imposed by various manage care carriers, various forms inherent to profession.
Excellent organizational skills, detail-oriented, a self-starter, possess critical thinking skills and be able to set priorities and function as part of a team as well as independently.
Commitment to working in a team environment and maintaining confidentiality as needed.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively with various audiences.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.
Possess considerable knowledge of the behavior and needs of patients.
Possess and maintain computer skills to include working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn other software as needed.
Maintains regular and consistent attendance as scheduled by department leadership.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Previous PACU or post-anesthesia recovery experience.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized nursing care to post-procedural and post-anesthesia patients using the nursing process.
Assess and closely monitor patients throughout recovery, recognizing and responding quickly to changes in physical or mental condition.
Coordinate appropriate interventions based on patient needs, provider orders, policies, and established clinical protocols.
Administer treatments and implement verbal and written provider orders accurately and efficiently.
Maintain high standards of nursing care while prioritizing effectively in a changing clinical environment.
Collaborate with anesthesia providers, physicians, nurses, and other members of the care team to support safe patient recovery.
Provide education and guidance to patients and families regarding recovery, ongoing care, and medical needs.
Follow infection prevention, safety, confidentiality, and documentation standards.
Maintain clear, accurate, and timely patient documentation.
Remain calm and focused in high-acuity situations while knowing when to escalate concerns or ask for additional support.
Develops, implements and coordinates individualized, goal directed nursing care to patients through the use of the nursing process as appropriate for RN’s as applicable to the assigned area(s).
Maintains nursing standards of care and responds to changing workloads and patient conditions by: remaining calm, making objective assessments, prioritizing, and asking for assistance as appropriate.
Transcribes and implements provider orders and treatments both verbal and written accurately and efficiently as noted by chart reviews and observation.
Consistently problem solves issues affecting patient care.
Exhibits a thorough practice of infection control procedures per policy and procedure as applicable to the assigned area(s).
Identifies, verbally evaluates, and reports identified reaction changes in the stated physical and mental conditions of patients.
Documents all encounters with patients seeking health advice according to organizational standards, while clearly demonstrating the nursing process.
Provides individual instruction and education to patients and families concerning health and medical needs per department protocol and as applicable to assigned area(s).
Assesses and anticipates the needs of the patient, and coordinates the necessary interventions as defined by policy, procedure and the written/verbal orders of the provider as applicable to assigned area(s).
Consistently problem solves issues effecting patient care.
Other duties may be assigned similar to the above consistent with knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job.