PACU Full-time Evenings

Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation•Fort Wayne, IN

About The Position

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides patient-centered care through assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The role coordinates and delivers high-quality care based on established clinical protocols and 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. The Pre/Post/PACU unit has 25 bays, with half used for preoperative care and half for postoperative care. PACU responsibilities include assessing patients as they regain consciousness after anesthesia, monitoring pain and anesthesia side effects, identifying postoperative complications, administering prescribed medications, managing IV fluids, checking and changing surgical dressings, maintaining airways and providing oxygen support as needed, and educating patients and families about post-surgery care and discharge instructions.

Requirements

RN—Registered Nurse state licensure and/or compact state licensure required.
Basic Life Support (BCLS) required.
Strong knowledge of the nursing process and clinical nursing practices.
Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively.
Proficiency in medication administration 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Coordinate and deliver patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.
Conduct patient assessments, document findings accurately, 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 medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care.
Implement infection control protocols.
Monitor and operate medical equipment, including IV pumps, monitors, and ventilators, as needed.
Promote patient safety by following National Patient Safety Goals and maintaining a clean, safe environment.
Participate in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks.
Make responsible decisions about planning, delegating, and providing care based on patient needs and organizational policies.
Document patient care and education thoroughly and promptly 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’ consciousness and responsiveness as they wake from anesthesia.
Assess 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.
Provide patients and families with postoperative care, potential complication, and discharge education.