Post-Anesthesia Recovery Nurse/Tech

Job Summary
We are seeking a Post-Anesthesia Recovery Unit (PACU) Nurse who will serve as the primary person to recover and care for patients in the immediate post-anesthesia and post-sedation period. They will ensure optimal care for patients by providing continuous monitoring, fluid therapy, pain and nausea management, anxiety relief, and heat support during this critical period of recovery. They will directly collaborate with the primary care provider, the anesthesia team, and the ICU/Patient Care Team.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides continuous monitoring of the post-anesthesia and post-sedation patient by means of visual and physical contact and monitoring equipment until the patient is alert, mobile, and deemed safe to return to their kennel. Ensures that all patient vital systems are recovering appropriately and safely, including their swallow reflex, respiratory rate and effort, cardiovascular rate and rhythm, blood pressure by non-invasive or invasive means as deemed appropriate, SPO2, temperature, and mentation.
• Safely and efficiently provides adequate care for the patient exhibiting emergence delirium. While working closely with the doctor and/or anesthesia technician, quickly assesses the best course of action as tailored to the individual patient and administers sedatives, reversals, and/or pain relief as directed.
• Quickly responds to emergency situations and takes appropriate action.
• Provides measures that ensure safety for themselves, the patients, and the staff. This may include chemical restraint, physical restraint with straps, leashes or muzzles, or utilization of kennels.
• Maintains high standards for infection control to minimize post-operative complications and disease transfer.
• Maintains appropriate and detailed record keeping.
• Demonstrates excellent communication skills with the primary care provider, the anesthesia team, and the ICU/Patient Care team.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 2 years of veterinary clinical experience
• Minimum of 1 year of anesthesia experience
• Demonstrates good attendance, arriving and leaving at the appropriate times for the assigned shift

Skills required:

• Demonstrates a strong working knowledge of the theories and principles of the peri-anesthetic period and has ambition to continue their education in this field.
• Readily recognizes signs of post-anesthetic and post-operative complications and medical emergencies.
• Utilizes electronic medical records system, ezyVet and Smartflow experience preferred
• Has the ability to work both collaboratively and independently
• Excellent and clear communication skills with doctors, anesthesia technicians, and patient care team.
• Ability to think clearly and take appropriate action under pressure.
• Maintains excellent infection control measures in the recovery unit.
• Has a strong work ethic and is a team player.
• Exhibits a consistently positive attitude in a busy work environment.
• BLS and ALS certified.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Must have the ability to respond quickly in urgent situations using all senses. During the normal workday, the employee may occasionally lift and/or push/pull up to 50 pounds. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. Dexterity sufficient to work with standard office equipment, such as a computer keyboard, telephone is required. Visual acuity to be able to read and respond to email. Able to hear clients on the telephone and voicemails left for the Neurology department.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $22.00 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Customer service: 1 year (Preferred)
• Medical terminology: 1 year (Preferred)
• Computer skills: 1 year (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Asheville, NC 28803 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Asheville, NC 28803: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $22 - $28