Staff Nurse PACU

Peachtree Orthopaedic Clinic•Cumming, GA

About The Position

The Staff Nurse PACU provides direct post-anesthesia patient care in an ambulatory surgery center, using the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation according to facility policies and procedures. The role supports safe patient recovery and discharge readiness and requires understanding safety hazards and proper equipment use to prevent harm to patients and personnel. The nurse admits and monitors PACU patients, responds to changes in condition, provides comfort and support, assists with nerve blocks as needed, carries out physician orders, and reviews discharge instructions. The role also includes accurate medical-record documentation, maintaining unit readiness and supplies, proper handling of biohazardous materials, and supporting onboarding and training as assigned. This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
Active Georgia Nursing License.
BLS certification from the American Heart Association.
ACLS certification; if not certified at hire, obtain it within three months of hire.
Strong teamwork, customer service, dependability, organizational, and technical skills.
Ability to respond to common inquiries from patients, representatives, and physicians and interpret policies, procedures, and IFUs.
Ability to calculate medication dosing and apply sound clinical judgment when schedules or equipment needs change.
Proficiency with MS Word, Outlook, and clinical systems.

Nice To Haves

Critical care experience.
Previous PACU experience.
Familiarity with Sis Complete and Athena.

Responsibilities

Admit patients to PACU and assess and monitor them according to policies and procedures.
Apply knowledge of anesthesia reactions and airway management.
Recognize changes in patient condition and notify the anesthesiologist and/or surgeon.
Use proper techniques for oxygen therapy, suction, drainage tubes, and IVs.
Provide physiologic comfort and psychological support based on individual patient needs.
Assist the anesthesiologist with nerve blocks as necessary.
Carry out standing, written, and verbal physician orders in accordance with policy.
Review written care instructions with the patient and/or representative before discharge.
Ensure ordered medications and DME are available, verify the patient's condition is satisfactory, and confirm the designated driver.
Review medical records for completeness and ensure PACU documentation is accurate and timely.
Use equipment in the assigned work area properly and handle biohazardous materials appropriately.
Adhere to POSC procedures, policies, and standards.
Maintain assigned special responsibilities and areas and support unit readiness.
Support onboarding and training of new employees as assigned.
Stock PACU rooms, nursing stations, and supply areas daily.
Check for expired or damaged supplies, remove them, and report discrepancies to management.
Perform other duties as assigned.