PACU RN

JOB TITLE: Registered Nurse, PACU
DIVISION: Orthopaedics
REPORTS TO: ASC Supervisor
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY
Position facilitates optimal patient care by providing nursing services to surgeons in the Orthopedic Surgery Center ensuring patient comfort and safety while in the PACU. Delivers post-operative care to patients with the overall responsibility of Phase I and Phase II recovery - prepares and educates patient for eventual discharge.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Establishes an environment of safety for the surgical patient
• Assesses, diagnoses, implements, and evaluates treatments and procedures that contribute to the physiological stability for the surgical patient
• Demonstrates knowledge regarding the psychological, sociologic, and spiritual responses of patients and their families to the operative or other procedure
• Monitors and maintains infection control standards throughout the Orthopedic Surgery Center..
• Provides back up to pre-operative process.
• Determines when patients are ready to move to PACU then Discharged home.
• Performs intervention duties in cases of post-operative emergencies
• Manages blood and fluid transfusions and draw specimens
• Ensures that the post-operative space is clean and sanitized
• Evaluates, documents and Changes bandages and dress surgical wounds as indicated.
• Supports patient rights and ethics by delivering consistent, competent, and ethical care within legal standards of practice, while maintaining privacy and support of the patient’s value system.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the health system environment and administrative issues that impact job performance, patient safety, and ethical considerations.
• Performs other duties necessary to maintain the overall efficiency and continuity of the surgery center

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Consistently performs hand hygiene practices for the prevention of infection
• Assesses patients’ condition after a surgery has been performed recording all findings in patients’ file and reporting any changes to the Physician
• Answers patients’ and families’ questions and ensure that they are kept comfortable
• Ensures that all nursing activities are carried out in accordance to individual patient care plan
• Initiate patient education programs to ensure that both patients and families are educated on procedures and medications
• Responsible for maintaining licensure and relevant certifications; ongoing personal and professional growth and development
• Attends meetings as assigned and participate in educational activities to keep skills up to date
• Demonstrates professionalism at all times
• Displays cooperative behavior and interacts positively and effectively with others to promote a team environment
• Performs other duties necessary to maintain the overall efficiency and continuity of the clinic
• Is proactive in identifying, reporting and participating in the resolution of any potential or actual patient safety issues
• Support Company vision and values

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Successful completion of a nursing degree from an accredited nursing school
• Current RN licensed issued by the State of Maine or eligible for licensure
• Previous experience as a Registered Nurse in a surgical setting is required
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification required; Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills necessary for interacting with patients, physicians, supervisors and other staff
• Skill in time management, prioritizing and medical care coordination
• Ability to organize and accomplish tasks, and have the flexibility to meet changing demands on daily basis
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and caring in dealing with others
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to project and maintain a professional image
• Ability to work independently and excel as part of a team
• Excellent customer service skills
• Proficient computer skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT :

• Daily use of computer operating instruments; stationary PC, Laptop PC, keyboard and mouse
• Light lifting of paperwork, folders or other general record keeping materials
• Operation of various office equipment: fax machine, telephone & voice mail system, stationary/lap top computer, e-mail system, scanner, and copier
• Lifting up to 40 pounds occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds frequently
• Walks frequently
• May be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Risk of exposure to hazardous conditions and blood borne pathogens
• Occasional reaching, twisting, bending