Pacu Nurse Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Associate of Applied Science in Nursing.
• Current Registered Nurse license in the State of Oregon.
• BLS, PALS, ACLS, and TNCC certifications.
• At least one year of critical care experience or two years of medical-surgical experience.
• Ability to meet the position’s physical and sensory requirements, including continuous walking and standing, lifting up to 50 pounds independently, and frequent pushing, pulling, carrying, or repositioning of objects or patients weighing up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
• Conscious sedation certification.
• CAPA or CPAN certification.
• Ultrasound Guided IV certification.
• Previous Day Surgery, PACU, pre-admission services, or ambulatory surgery center experience.
• Familiarity with glucometers, arterial lines, space labs, Epic charting, bladder scanners, ultrasound machines, Belmont rapid infusers, and blood warmers.

Responsibilities

• Complete nursing assessments of patients in the preoperative and postoperative phases of care.
• Perform patient admissions according to hospital standards of care.
• Initiate and manage intravenous access.
• Closely observe patients’ heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and level of consciousness; report changes and intervene according to medical guidelines.
• Use the Aldrete scoring system during PACU care.
• Ensure patients maintain a patent airway and adequate respiratory function.
• Perform interventions to maintain patients’ genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems, as well as fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Keep medical staff consistently informed about patient status.
• Administer pain medications and assess their effectiveness.
• Treat postoperative nausea with medications and comfort measures.
• Develop an individualized peri-anesthesia plan of care.
• Assist anesthesia with nerve blocks as needed.
• Administer medications using the eight rights of safe medication practices.
• Assess surgical sites and perform interventions to maintain their integrity, enhance tissue perfusion, and prevent infection.
• Perform interventions to maintain normothermia throughout the continuum of care.
• Assess patients’ and designated caretakers’ knowledge, and provide education on expected outcomes, medications, wound care, diet, activity, anesthesia side effects, when to seek medical care, complications, and other learning needs.
• Assess patient progress toward desired outcomes.
• Collaborate with other disciplines and nursing staff as needed.
• Transfer patient care as needed.
• Delegate tasks according to Oregon State Board of Nursing guidelines.
• Use critical-thinking, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills to build effective team relationships.
• Pursue professional growth and development.
• Advocate for patients and safeguard their privacy and health information.
• Involve patients and/or support persons in decisions affecting the perioperative plan of care.
• Follow safety protocols, including fall-risk and infection-control practices.
• Accurately document care in the electronic medical record.
• Maintain required competencies.
• Support the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in required education for DNV programs as applicable to the position.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits paid by the employer.
• Up to $15,000 sign-on bonus.