RN - Post Anesthesia Room (Same Day Surgery)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs physical and psychological patient assessments.
• Obtains and interprets patient vital signs including temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, end-tidal CO2 monitoring, and rhythm strip analysis.
• Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques through assessment and reassessment.
• Provides airway assessment and management including care of patients with ET tubes, LMAs, oral airways, suctioning, and use of bag valve mask for positive pressure ventilation.
• Starts and discontinues IVs, manages IV fluids and therapies, administers medications, and programs IV drip titrations using IV pumps.
• Maintains accurate and timely charting and documentation.
• Collaborates with and assists the physician and/or anesthesia staff in coordinating medical and nursing care of the postoperative patient as needed.
• Communicates effectively with physicians and CRNAs. Carries out and notes physician and CRNA orders.
• Utilizes professional judgment and nursing skills, including critical thinking skills.
• Directs, supervises and evaluates nursing care to all age groups.
• Circulates or scrubs for minor procedures.
• Transports patients via bed, cart, or wheel chair to Phase II or in-patient departments.
• Assists with the maintenance of PACU equipment and inventory.
• Respond to emergency medical situations in an urgent manner and perform on the spot emergency assistance which may include first aid and/or CPR.
• Maintains friendly and courteous interpersonal communication skills and a positive service attitude.
• Participates in performance improvement and educational activities.
• Works willingly and accepts assignments as given.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and programs.
• Participates in opportunities that enhance personal and professional growth.
• Performs other duties as necessary or assigned.
• Complies with the Corporate Compliance Policy and all laws, regulations, and Standards of Conduct relating to the position and agrees to report any suspected violations of law or Standards of Conduct.
• Complies with all applicable state and federal regulations and JCAHO standards.
• Maintains a safe work environment using safe work practices, utilizing standard precautions and complying with hazardous waste procedures at all times as described in St. Anthony's Safety Manual.
• Maintains the confidentiality of patient, resident, employee and organizational information.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This job has no supervisory responsibilities, however, may assist physician with special unit procedures and provide training, education, and guidance to assigned L.P.N.s, C.M.A.s and/or C.N.A.s.

Carries out responsibilities in accordance with the department Director, organization’s policies and applicable laws.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• RN with state license required; Current license to practice nursing in the state.
• Two years of experience as a professional nurse in an acute care setting, such as Surgery, Med/Surg/Peds or ICU.

Position Requirements, Certifications, Licenses, Registrations.

• Basic Life Support certification.
• ACLS and PALS certification within six months of employment.
• Ability to create a caring, compassionate relationship with the patients and families.
• Ability to collaborate with the healthcare team to use evidence-based practice in providing care.
• Expertise in handling sophisticated medical equipment.
• Must possess effective time management skills.
• Ability to carry out assignments with minimal supervision and guidance.

Language Skills
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before customers, patients, families and employees of the organization.

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 job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; talk and hear; and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to walk and sit. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, color vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. May be exposed to infectious diseases and occupational dangers like accidental needle pricks. Must be able to withstand physical and emotional stress.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, risk of electrical shock, and blood borne pathogens. The employee may be exposed to unpleasant sights, odors, and materials. The employee may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation. The employee may occasionally be exposed to high, precarious places and vibration.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Experience

• 2 year(s): Two years of experience as a professional nurse in an acute care setting, such as Surgery, Med/Surg/Peds or ICU.

Education

• Associates or better

Licenses & Certifications

• RN