Staff Nurse PACU

Peachtree Orthopaedic Clinic•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Staff Nurse PACU provides direct post-anesthesia patient care in the Surgical Services / Ambulatory Surgery Center. The nurse uses the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation in accordance with facility policies and procedures. The role requires understanding safety hazards and proper equipment use to prevent harm to patients and personnel, while supporting safe recovery and discharge readiness.

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.
Ability to interpret policies, procedures, and instructions for use (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 the PACU and assess and monitor them according to policy and procedure.
Understand anesthesia reactions and airway management principles.
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, the patient's condition is satisfactory, and the designated driver is confirmed.
Review medical records for completeness and ensure PACU documentation is accurate and timely.
Use equipment in the assigned work area correctly.
Dispose of 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.