Pacu Nurse (FT)

PACU Nurse (Full-Time) We look forward to finding new team members with the commitment and talent to help us provide excellent care for our patients as the best quality, value and choice in the region. At Ohio Valley Surgical Hospital, our mission is to Elevate the Standard of Health Care in Our Community, and our core values guide the way we fulfill our mission.

In service to each patient, we value quality, compassion, and care you can trust. Under the supervision of the Department Manager, Director of Nursing, and Administrator, provides quality patient care using the nursing process, the medical plan of care, and organizational policies. The PACU Nurse reports to the Pre-Operative/Recovery Charge Nurse, Pre-Op/PACU Manager, the Director of Nursing and Administrator.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Receives report from the anesthesiologist and circulating nurse and identifies patient. Takes vital signs consisting of blood pressure, pulse, and respirations when the patient arrives in recovery and thereafter determined by the type of anesthesia or moderate sedation, the status of the patient PACU policies and the direction of the anesthesiologist.

Charts patient’s color, level of consciousness, condition of dressings and character of respirations on arrival and every 30 minutes while patient is in recovery. Verifies physicians’ orders, administers medications, and performs procedures as ordered. Secures the proper patient belongings when appropriate. Gives all prescription to the appropriate person (i.

e. patient, visitor). When patient meets discharge criteria, the PACU Nurse: Discontinues intravenous and foley catheter as applicable. Reviews, educates, and provides a copy of the written discharge instructions to the patient and responsible party. Discharges the patient either per wheelchair, assisting with ambulation, or other appropriate method based on patient condition.

Discharges patients through appropriate exit only. Places medical record in appropriate location after patient discharge. The PACU Nurse, at the end of the day: Returns appropriate items to reception area. Assists with preparations of recovery and preoperative areas for the next day. Closes facility according to protocol.

Reports malfunctioning equipment to Director of Nursing. Assists with receiving and storing supplies, as needed. Disposes of contaminated needle containers in appropriate receptacle. Assists with pre-op and post-op phone calls, as needed. May be required to provide assistance with the operative log. Performs other duties as directed by the Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

Current licensure in this state as a Registered Nurse. Current BLS certification. PALS and ACLS certification mandatory within six (6) months of date of hire. Preferred previous work experience in an ambulatory surgery setting or acute hospital recovery room or a critical care area or operating room of no less than one (1) year.

Intermittent physical mobility/activity including walking, standing, sitting, light lifting, pulling and pushing of carts, equipment, etc. Must be able to bend body downward at the waist; be able to kneel. Mental and physical health sufficient to meet the demands of the position.