DOD Registered Nurse - PACU

DOD Registered Nurse PACU

Experience: Minimum of two years' experience as a Registered Nurse in a Post Anesthesia Care Unit and/or Intensive Care Unit within the last five years. Must also have experience recovering pediatrics.

HCW Duties (5.1 Task 1): The duties for the HCW are as follows:

HCPs shall perform the following additional duties under the supervision of the Chief of Post Anesthesia Care Unit (or designee). The contracted RN will provide the following services and in strict compliance with standing orders and protocols set forth by the MTF and IAW JC guidelines to include, the following:

(1) Provide a scope of care which includes emphasis on evaluation, management, and education of patients undergoing Anesthesia (general or regional), Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) or Moderate Sedation.

(2) Conducts duties in accordance with PACU policies and procedures.

(3) Delivery of treatment within the personnel and equipment capabilities of WRNMMC, provision of mandated nursing surveillance and preventive services.

(4) The quality and timeliness of treatment records and reports required to document procedures performed and care provided.

(5) Contracted RN will receive three (3) hours of orientation to PACU on first scheduled shift. To be provided by a PACU RN.

(6) Participates in educational and continuous improvement programs to include training of the enlisted and Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) staff assigned to the PACU, as appropriate.

(7) Provide documentation of annual attendance at Joint Commission and Occupational Safety Health Act (OSHA) required classes. These courses will be provided at Government expense.

(8) Assess nursing needs, formulate, and implement a plan of nursing care for each patient consistent with established nursing standards and protocols for this unit and with the prescribed plan of medical care.

(9) Contribute to the medical/nursing plan of care by observing, recognizing, recording, and reporting changes in the patient's condition, subjective symptoms and objective signs, reactions to medications, and responses to therapy.

(10) Performance of supportive life functions, including endotracheal intubations, management of blood, fluid and electrolyte loss and replacement in maintenance of cardiovascular and respiratory functions.

(11) Collect, document, and evaluate patient data for a wide variety of adult patients with medical or surgical problems to include insertion, maintenance and discontinuation of NG tubes, foley catheters, and rectal tubes.

(12) Maintain all required patient care records and report pertinent information to the medical officer and/or charge nurse as appropriate.

(13) Administer prescribed medications and intravenous therapy. Knowledge of a variety of pharmacological agents used in patient treatment, the desired effects, side effects, and complications of their use as well as the accurate administration of the pharmacologic agent, including dosage calculations as required

(14) Will be knowledgeable in administrative requirements for the documentation of patient's condition, progress and acknowledgement of teaching, and follow up care. 16

(15) Be familiar with PCA pumps, and epidural infusions.

(16) Conducting a complete physical screening assessment utilizing techniques of observation, inspection, auscultation, palpitation and percussion, as well as proper use of instruments to aid in the evaluation.

(17) Institute emergency measures including cardiopulmonary resuscitation when a physician is not present or immediately available.

(18) Ensure that patients are properly informed and prepared for a wide variety of special tests and examinations.

(19) Provide individualized health teaching for patients and their significant others throughout hospitalizations to ensure that transfer or discharge objectives can be achieved.

(20) Utilize diversified professional concepts, principles, and practices while performing procedures, treatments, and tasks related to the specialty area.

(21) Interpret and operate highly specialized equipment used for required patient care. (To include external fixators, JP drains, chest tubes, wound vacs, etc.)

(22)Assist in nursing quality assurance activities through problem identification, development of nursing practice evaluation criteria, development of plans of action, and result monitoring.

(23) Perform special tests and procedures following appropriate standard protocols and verified doctor's orders.

(24) Provide support and proper referral for those patients and families experiencing critical illness and/or potential death.

(25) Assist in nursing quality assurance activities through problem identification, development of nursing practice evaluation criteria, development of plans of action, and monitoring results.

(26) Assist in maintenance of the unit environment and with ordering of supplies and equipment. Be responsible for the security of narcotics, dangerous drugs, and other controlled substances.

(27) Keep current Command certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, IV administration and venipuncture. Keep current in nursing practice within the specialty of practice.

• Completes required orientation as directed by facility.
• Follows facility and OSHA safety rules and procedures while on assignment.
• Respects cultural and religious practices of patients.
• Upholds HIPAA regulations.
• Punctual and dependent for assigned/confirmed shifts.
• Understands and performs to the standards of care and within the scope of practice of their state's license.

Other Requirements:

• Background check
• Drug screen
• Annual Physical/workplace clearance
• Vaccinations / Immunizations - must be current
• TB Skin Test / Chest X-Ray / TB QuantiFERON Blood Test
• OIG Report
• Resume
• References

Physical Requirements:

This position requires visual acuity, keen hearing, clear distinctive speech, and manual dexterity. This position requires potentially lengthy periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing. Transferring patients and objects may be required. The Contractor may be exposed to infected patients and contaminated materials and may be required to don protective clothing in isolation situations, operative/invasive procedures. The Contractor may occasionally be exposed to patients who are combative secondary to delirium, dementia, or psychiatric disorders. The Contractor must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, able to shift priorities based on patient needs. Must complete all Credentialing Health requirements as a condition of employment, such as TB, Hepatitis, Rubella, etc.

Degree/Education (5.2.4):

Graduate of a school of professional nursing, approved by a legally designated state accrediting agency and hold current registration as a registered professional nurse and has successfully passed the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).

Copy of (CPAN) certification and license required.

Certifications:

• BLS
• ACLS
• PALS

Have successfully completed a Post-Anesthesia Care course/training program or is nationally certified as a Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN)