Staff Nurse - PACU - Full Time - 7A-3:30P

Broadlawns Medical Center•Socorro, NM

About The Position

The Registered Nurse (RN) in Pre-Op and PACU Phases I and II reports to the Surgical Services Director. The RN provides diligent care to surgical patients before and after surgery through monitoring, assessment, intervention, and continuous reassessment. In PACU Phase I, the RN cares for patients recovering from general, regional, and local anesthesia. In PACU Phase II, the RN provides discharge care and instructions to patients and their caregivers. The RN also performs perioperative nursing responsibilities as directed by the Nursing Director.

Requirements

Current RN license recognized by the State of Iowa Board of Nursing.
Basic Life Support (Health Care Provider), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification within six months of hire.
Capable and competent in computer data entry and general program navigation.
Ability to perform assigned call requirements.
Demonstrated proficiency in RN pre- and postoperative roles, perioperative nursing, patient safety, and perioperative precautions.
Ability to work effectively and harmoniously as a member of the perioperative team.
Strong organization, critical-thinking, observation, communication, problem-solving, and troubleshooting skills.
Knowledge of asepsis, infection control, and the effects of anesthesia.
Ability to document in an EMR and communicate effectively with patients and the care team.

Nice To Haves

Two years of perioperative nursing experience.
Successful completion of additional educational preparation specific to pre- and postoperative nursing.

Responsibilities

Maintain nursing care standards and implement Medical Center, Nursing Services, and applicable Iowa Code policies and procedures.
Assess patients before surgery, address their concerns, and prepare and instruct them for surgery.
Collect, categorize, and interpret physical and psychosocial information to assess patient health and develop individualized plans of care.
Identify nursing diagnoses and interventions to address patients’ surgical, mental, physical, psychosocial, and cultural needs.
Document nursing activities accurately and promptly to support safety, continuity of care, quality improvement, and professional accountability.
Ensure operative and informed consents are signed and correct.
Measure, record, and assess vital signs to determine readiness for surgery.
Monitor patients for changes in condition and communicate relevant findings to the intraoperative team.
Initiate IVs and ensure patients are informed about procedures.
Assess postoperative condition and monitor vital signs and other measures of progress against discharge criteria.
Answer patient questions and promote patient comfort.
Anticipate and communicate patient needs to coordinate support services with the perioperative team.
Administer medications and evaluate their effectiveness.
Respond efficiently to emergencies using established protocols.
Participate in the orientation of new personnel.
Contribute to departmental and Nursing Services goals, standards development, and performance improvement activities.
Participate in unit meetings and conferences to improve patient care.
Communicate effectively, identify and resolve problems, and use lines of authority appropriately.
Maintain HIPAA and confidentiality compliance and adhere to policies and procedures.
Complete and maintain unit-specific training, competency requirements, and annual hospital-wide mandatory training.
Demonstrate competence with specified computer applications and EMR documentation.