Overview
Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse - Ambulatory Surgery Center (PACU RN) provides care to patients in accordance with ASPAN (Association Society of Peri Anesthesia Nurses) guidelines. PACU RNs provide care and support to patients before, during, and after surgery. PACU RNs may also provide care in the Pre-Admission Testing and Day Surgery settings with responsibilities as specified below.
Full-Time, 30 hours/week.
Responsibilities
Practices consistently with applicable state nursing practice regulations, applicable ASC policies and procedures, and the ANA Code of Ethics.
Verifies patient identity (using 2 identifiers), planned surgical procedure, and review of expectations with patient and family/others present.
Reviews patient pre-admission assessment and history inclusive of medications, physical and sensory limitations, screening of sleep disorders, and presence of external or implantable medical devices, laboratory and radiology findings. upon that information as necessary. Completes day of surgery testing such as pregnancy testing, EKG, or radiology studies.
Receives and cares for post-operatively. Performs assessment of vital signs, oxygen saturation, capnography, and pain level. Assesses for symptoms of post-operative/post-anesthesia nausea and vomiting and treats per patient specific orders.
Monitors surgical site(s) for excessive bleeding, discharge, swelling, hematoma, redness, or any other signs and symptoms of complications and reports relevant change to surgeon or anesthesia provider.
Assures safety of discharge to the next level of care based on patient assessment according to discharge criteria.
Assures availability of adaptive equipment if needed, responsible escort home, and safe home care plan. Reviews discharge instructions and follow up with responsible family/others present.
Communicates with colleagues professionally, with commitment to maintaining a respectful workplace culture and a safe learning environment.
Complies with policies, procedures, and area-specific expectations related to maintaining a safe environment of care. Initiates reporting or action when needed to address safety concerns.
Complies with policies, procedures and area-specific expectations related to medication safety.
Complies with policies, procedures and area-specific expectations related to:
patient identification and specimen labeling activities
documentation of patient information and patient care activities
dependability, attendance, and scheduling
Participates in staff meetings, required learning, attestation, competency, and training activities according to area-specific and organizational expectations. Independently monitors email and other communications as necessary to meet these expectations.
Performs other duties as required or assigned.
Qualifications
- Graduate from an accredited Nursing Program required.
- Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred with at least 1 year of experience in an ASC.
- Associate Degree (ADN) prepared nurses with 2 years' experience.
- Prior ASC or PACU experience a must.
Required Licensure/Certifications
- Licensed Registered Nurse with New Hampshire eligibility.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) Certificate required.
- Advanced Life Support (ACLS) within 6 months of hire date.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within 6 months of hire date.
- Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) or Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) Certification preferred.
