Registered Nurse - Recovery Room (PACU)

Registered Nurse (RN) – Recovery Room (PACU)

Position Summary

The Registered Nurse (RN) – Recovery Room provides comprehensive nursing care to patients in a same-day surgery setting. The RN assumes responsibility for patient care in accordance with physician orders, professional nursing standards, and facility policies. This role is responsible for monitoring patient recovery, administering medications and treatments, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring appropriate utilization and charging of supplies used in patient care.

Reports To: Supervisor of Clinical Services

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Certification
• Current American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS Certification

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Patient Care

• Assess, develop, implement, and evaluate nursing care for post-operative patients.
• Monitor and document patients' physical and mental status throughout the recovery process.
• Recognize and report symptoms, reactions, abnormalities, and condition changes to the appropriate healthcare providers.
• Administer medications and treatments as ordered by the physician.
• Ensure medication administration follows established protocols, including:
• Verification of a valid physician order prior to administration
• Knowledge of intended actions and potential side effects
• Accurate documentation of all medications administered
• Assess and appropriately manage patients' pain and nausea needs.
• Discharge post-operative patients according to facility policies and procedures.
• Admit patients to the sit-up/recovery area as appropriate.

Communication & Collaboration

• Provide psychological support and education to patients and their families.
• Maintain effective working relationships with physicians and ancillary healthcare providers.
• Communicate effectively with internal departments and external service providers involved in patient care.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely patient records.
• Protect patient and employee privacy and maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Function independently and effectively in emergency situations.
• Demonstrate sound clinical judgment and decision-making abilities under pressure.

Inventory & Resource Management

• Monitor the use of supplies and medications utilized in patient care.
• Complete routine charging for medications and supplies.
• Accurately verify charge sheets for supplies used during patient care.
• Maintain adequate supplies and a clean, organized work environment.

Professional Development

• Maintain clinical competency through continuing education and professional development activities.
• Meet all continuing education requirements for nursing license renewal.
• Assist in the orientation and training of new employees.
• Serve as a resource and mentor for team members regarding departmental policies and procedures.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong post-anesthesia and post-operative patient assessment skills.
• Ability to identify and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition.
• Knowledge of medication administration, side effects, and patient safety practices.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and function effectively during emergencies.
• Strong communication, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Commitment to patient-centered care and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Physical Requirements

• Standing: 66-100%
• Walking: 66-100%
• Sitting: 0-33%
• Lifting: Up to 50 lbs. as needed
• Carrying: Up to 25 lbs. as needed
• Pushing: Up to 400 lbs. on wheels with assistance as needed
• Pulling: As necessary while providing patient care
• Climbing: Up to 1-5 flights of stairs as necessary
• Bending: Frequent bending required to retrieve items and provide patient care
• Squatting: As necessary while providing patient care
• Rotating: Shoulder rotation as required
• Kneeling: As necessary while providing patient care
• Reaching: Overhead reaching as necessary while providing patient care

Additional Requirements

• Visual acuity and hearing ability must be sufficient to safely assess patients, communicate effectively, and perform all essential job duties.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced ambulatory surgery center environment while maintaining a high standard of patient care.

Benefits: 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with an employer contribution
• Life Insurance
• PTO
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match
• And more! 
   

Equal Employment Opportunity & Work Force Diversity 

Our organization is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, creed, sex, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, parental status, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic testing results or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.  This practice relates to all personnel matters such as compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, layoffs, etc.  Furthermore, our organization is committed to going beyond the legal requirements of equal employment opportunity to take positive actions which ensure diversity in the workplace and result in a multi-cultural organization.