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Form of workJob Description
The PRE-OP/PACU nurse prepares surgical patients for surgery and oversees care for patients who are waking up from anesthesia. In PRE-OP, Nurses take patient history, document vital signs, perform drug screenings, pregnancy tests, place IV’s, and assist with surgical site prep. In the PACU, Nurses monitor the patient’s vital signs, check their level of consciousness, and look for any side effects from anesthesia. PACU nurses administer pain treatments and splints/braces, offer nourishment to patients, prepare patient for discharge to home, and instruct patients and caregivers with post-op care instructions. Nurses work with a wide variety of patients and often with one or two patients at a time. PACU nurses work in a fast-paced environment and deliver comprehensive care in an efficient manner.
Provides for and directs the nursing care in the recovery room by performing the following duties.
1. Utilizes nursing process to establish and provide for patients needs in the post-operative setting.
2. Assesses the patient's preoperative status and intraoperative course.
3. Performs initial assessment upon arrival in the recovery room.
4. Plans and provides for the nursing care in the PAR room.
5. Documents care on the post-anesthesia record.
6. Administers drugs and solutions according to policy.
7. Reviews the post-operative instructions with patient and family.
8. Prepares the patients for discharge, and discharges patients when all discharge criteria are met.
9. Provides for efficient transfer of patients to hospital when necessary.
10. Monitors the environment, including temperature, humidity, and noise level.
11. Ensures a safe environment.
12. Provides for patient confidentiality and privacy.
13. Coordinates nursing interventions with the other members of the surgical team, including Surgeon, Anesthesiologist, and other personnel.
14. Participates in preoperative interviews.
15. Assists with cleanup of the recovery room.
16. Restocks and replaces supplies used.
17. Assists in the operating room, as needed, when qualified to do so.
18. Assists in admitting patients.
19. Observes and enforces cost containment practices with effective utilization of time and materials.
20. Shares and performs assigned duties necessary for operations, including ordering supplies and performing equipment checks.
21. Attends staff meeting and in-services.
22. Follows medical/legal policies at all times.
23. Maintains and upgrades standards of performance and education.
24. Maintains a neat and clean appearance.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty exceptionally. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Language Ability
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints. Must speak and write English fluently.
Math Ability
Ability to comprehend and apply principles of basic mathematics. Ability to work with concepts such as addition, subtraction, division, multiplication, quadratic and differential equations.
Reasoning Ability
Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to identify nonverbal communication cues displayed by patients. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables while assisting professionals and caring for patients.
Education/Experience
- Associate's degree (A. A. / A. S.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school or Bachelor’s degree (B. A. / B. S.) from four-year college or university
- At least three years of post-anesthesia care or critical care experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Certificates/Licenses
- Current California Registered Nurse License
- BCLS certification
- ACLS certification
- PALS certification
- Membership in a professional organization (i.e. AORN or PANAC) preferred
Knowledge/Skills
- Knowledge of post-anesthesia nursing
- Flexibility
- Proficient in venipuncture and starting intravenous infusions
