PACU RN

Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) to join our Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in patient care, particularly in the recovery phase following anesthesia. This role requires a commitment to providing exceptional nursing care while ensuring patient safety and comfort during their recovery process.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assessment:

• Assess the physical status of the patient through personal observation and interaction.
• Maintain sensitivity to requests of patients.
• Interpret diagnostic measures such as labs, chest x-rays and EKGs.
• Obtain an overview of the patient status through review of the patient chart.
• Consult with the RN who interviewed the patient pre-operatively.

2. Planning:

• Plan for safe, efficient, effective, and clean environment for intra- and extra-operative care.
• Identify and plan actions to resolve any problems.
• Identify the goals for patients and communicate these goals to others involved in patient care.

3. Implementation:

• Take actions to implement nursing care and resolve problems identified for patients.
• Utilize supplies, equipment, and resources to contain cost without compromising delivery of care.
• Adhere to PINNACLE practices regarding infection control, patient education, and environmental safety.
• Report and document information accurately and in a timely manner.
• Utilize professional nursing judgment in delivery of care.
• Use safe methods in the handling of equipment.

4. Evaluation:

• Evaluate action taken to implement nursing care plan and resolve problems accordingly.
• Modify intervention to achieve goals as necessary.

5. Interpersonal relationships:

• Recognize and utilize appropriate lines of communication.
• Foster cooperative efforts in meeting the goals of nursing by sharing workload.
• Communicate a positive and caring attitude toward unit, peers, staff and all other contacts.
• Seek guidance, direction and assistance when needed.
• Convey ideas, concepts and facts relative to patient care in a logical, understandable and concise manner.

6. Accountability:

• Seek appropriate learning opportunities.
• Demonstrate competence and expertise in nursing practice.
• Assume responsibility for professional nursing practice within the law.
• Utilize judgment in determining nursing actions.
• Act as patient advocate in the coordination of patient care.
• Maintain safety rules at all times.
• Maintain knowledge of equipment and supplies and familiarity with their location in the Recovery Room and OR.
• Monitor emergency equipment.
• Maintain in-depth knowledge of anesthetic agents and their actions, emergency drugs, impending complication and emergency treat of complications, should they occur.
• Follow Recovery Room guidelines.

7. Maintain working knowledge of the physiological and anatomical aspects of the surgical intervention scheduled.

8. Assist in the OR as necessary.

9. Assist with emergency procedure as required.

10. Maintain and increase standards of performance and education, including current status of RN activities.

11. Participate in in-service education programs, additional training, orientation, and staff development programs.

12. Present a professional image representing OR service to patients and personnel.

13. Maintain confidentiality of all patients.

14. Work well under pressure.

15. Accurately follow verbal and written directions/directives from supervisors.

16. Be an ambassador for PINNACLE.

17. Enhance job performance by applying up to date professional and technical knowledge.

18. Complete time sheet records in timely manner through communication with PINNACLE Human Resources representative or on-site PINNACLE manager.

19. Adhere to the Policies and Procedures of the PINNACLE.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. ASN required. BSN preferred.

2. Demonstrated knowledge of nursing process and nursing theory.

3. Certification in specialty area, preferred.

4. Current AHA CPR/BLS certification or willingness to complete.

5. Current ACLS certification or equivalent, or willingness to complete.

6. Current PALS certification or equivalent, or willingness to complete.

7. Current Texas Registered Nurse license required.

8. Two years of experience in post-operative recovery area, acute care, and/or emergency room.

9. Demonstrated knowledge of the treatment of contaminated cases and the disposal of wastes and sharps.

10. Experience working with a diverse workforce.

11. Prior experience working in a healthcare setting, particularly ambulatory surgery centers and medical offices, a plus.

12. Fluency in a language other than English, a plus.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Possess the physical ability and perceptual acuity (visual, auditory) to satisfactorily perform all indirect care functions.

2. Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing to a diverse audience.

3. Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work.

4. Possess the highest level of ethical behavior.

5. Ability to remain flexible in order to adapt to changes in work environment.

6. Study and apply new information, and take initiative.

7. Excellent time-management, problem-prevention, and problem-solving skills.

8. Ability to work accurately with close attention to detail.

9. Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

10. Ability to work effectively, professionally, and tactfully with MFMS’ diverse workforce, team leaders, clients, and outside companies.

11. Possess a work ethic that includes neatness, promptness, punctuality, and accuracy.

12. Exhibit a professional, businesslike appearance and demeanor.

13. Must be able to handle stressful situations in a professional manner and work safely at a rapid pace.

14. Must exhibit desirable trunk and extremity mobility and strength to perform job duties.

15. Must be able to lift a maximum of 35 pounds safely and frequently.

16. Must be able to push gurneys with a patient up to 400 pounds with assistance.

17. Must be able to push a wheelchair with load of 400 pounds with assistance.

18. Must be able to bend, stoop, kneel, reach overhead, and assist with physically transferring patients from gurneys to operating room tables and wheelchairs and from wheelchairs to personal transportation.

19. Must be able to comprehend and communicate in the English language in written and spoken modes.

20. Must be able to stand and walk for up to 10 hours of time.

21. Must be able to wear a lead gown.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

1. Ability to work in an office setting.

2. Ability to work in a medical surgical setting.

3. Position may require extended hours.

4. Understanding and acknowledgement of the potential occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other infectious materials as outlined in the Pinnacle Surgery Center of Austin Infection and Exposure Control Plan.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

NOTE: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work performed by the position. These statements are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, tasks, and skills required of an employee in this position. PINNACLE reserves the right to require that other tasks be performed when warranted (for example, by emergencies, changes in personnel or workload, corporate reorganization, or technical development). PINNACLE also reserves the right to revise this job description.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40.00 - $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Medical Specialty:

• Anesthesiology
• Orthopedics
• Pediatrics
• Perioperative Care
• Plastic Surgery
• Surgery
• Urology

Physical Setting:

• Operating room
• Outpatient
• PACU

Experience:

• Ambulatory surgery center: 2 years (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Austin, TX 78705 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Austin, TX 78705: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $40 - $45