Anaesthetic/PACU Registered Nurse

St John of God Geelong Hospital

St John of God Geelong Hospital is a leading private hospital providing a broad range of medical, surgical, rehabilitation and specialist services to the Geelong and surrounding community. As part of St John of God Health Care, you will join a collaborative and supportive healthcare environment focused on delivering high-quality, compassionate and patient-centred care.

Your Position at St John of God Geelong Hospital

St John of God Geelong Hospital is seeking an experienced and motivated Anaesthetic / Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse to join our dedicated perioperative team on a casual basis.

This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled perioperative nurse who is passionate about delivering safe, high-quality patient care and supporting positive outcomes throughout the surgical journey. Working alongside our anaesthetists, surgeons and multidisciplinary team, you will play an important role in preparing patients for surgery, supporting them throughout anaesthesia and providing specialised care during their recovery.

We are looking for a flexible and adaptable nurse with sound clinical judgement, strong communication skills and a commitment to delivering compassionate, patient-centred care in a dynamic clinical environment.

In this role, you will contribute to the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality perioperative care across the anaesthetic and PACU settings.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting anaesthetists with the preparation of patients, equipment and clinical environments for anaesthesia, ensuring all necessary checks are completed.
• Providing skilled nursing care to patients throughout the perioperative journey, maintaining patient safety, dignity and comfort at all times.
• Monitoring patients' vital signs and clinical status during anaesthesia and supporting the anaesthetic team in responding to changes in patient condition.
• Delivering comprehensive post-anaesthetic care, including ongoing assessment, monitoring and management of patients as they recover from anaesthesia and surgery.
• Assessing and managing post-operative pain, nausea and other recovery-related symptoms in accordance with clinical protocols and prescribed treatment plans.
• Recognising and responding promptly to clinical deterioration, escalating concerns appropriately and initiating emergency interventions within your scope of practice.
• Maintaining accurate and timely clinical documentation, including anaesthetic and PACU records, observations and patient assessments.
• Collaborating effectively with anaesthetists, surgeons, theatre staff and other members of the multidisciplinary team to support safe patient transitions and optimal clinical outcomes.
• Applying evidence-based nursing practice and adhering to hospital policies, procedures, clinical guidelines and relevant legislation.
• Promoting infection prevention and control practices to maintain a safe environment for patients, visitors and colleagues.
• Communicating effectively with patients, families and colleagues, providing reassurance, information and support throughout the surgical experience.
• Contributing to a culture of continuous improvement, clinical excellence and patient safety

You will have:

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (AHPRA).
• Recent clinical experience in anaesthetics and/or the Post Anaesthesia Care Unit (PACU).
• Sound knowledge of perioperative nursing principles, patient assessment and post-anaesthetic recovery.
• The ability to recognise changes in patient condition, exercise sound clinical judgement and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to changing clinical priorities.
• A demonstrated commitment to quality improvement, infection prevention and delivering safe, compassionate, patient-centred care.
• The flexibility and adaptability required to work effectively in a casual role within a busy perioperative environment.

The Benefits:

• Casual rate: $53.90 to $68.03 per hour (inclusive of casual loading), plus12% superannuation
• Casual opportunities offering flexible work balance
• As a casual employee, you can salary package a percentage of your earnings each pay period
• A healthy work-life balance through flexible work options, additional purchased leave and well-being programs
• Employee discount on St John of God Hospital & Medical Services and Private Health Insurance
• Innovative Professional Development opportunities
• Access to a range of Lifestyle, Health & Wellbeing rewards and discounts

Above all, patient care will be at the core of everything you do committing to and supporting our Mission and Values.

For further information about this opportunity, please contact Rebecca McFadzen, Deputy Director of Nursing, on 03 5226 1393.

At St John of God Health Care, we celebrate diversity and warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Our commitment is to create a safe and nurturing environment for all children and vulnerable individuals in our care and proactively take steps to protect them from abuse, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Our inclusive culture fosters an environment that is respectful and secure, welcoming and accessible, and unified through our diverse community.

All caregivers employed by St John of God Health Care are required to be vaccinated from Influenza in order to fulfil the requirements of the role.