RN-PACU at Forrest General Hospital – Hattiesburg, Mississippi

The RN performs under the direct supervision of the PACU Coordinator and is delegated an assignment by the coordinator to achieve quality patient care. The RN Staff Nurse will implement the nursing process in an organized, systematic manner to include assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation in collaboration with the PACU Coordinator as evidenced by documentation in Patient Care Record. The PACU RN will demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served; also demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age specific needs, and to provide the care needed.

Performance Expectations:

The PACU RN performance expectations will be covered in the phases of orientation of employment. Expectations include but are not limited to:

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles.
• Provides for exceptional patient and coworker experiences by following our standards of practice of always using positive language.
• Demonstrates independence and exercises sound judgment in interactions with physicians and the interprofessional care team.
• Promotes a positive work environment with the PACU team.
• Collaborates with all members of the PACU and OR team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information in a comprehensive manner.
• Exhibits open and professional communication.
• Role models fair and consistent leadership skills for effective team dynamics.
• Performs all the duties of required of a PACU staff nurse.
• Demonstrate skills to admit patients to the PACU.
• Initiate and administer blood transfusions.
• Provide care for patients with Central Vascular Access devices.
• Perform post anesthetic discharge assessment.
• Provide preoperative care for patients during both pre and postoperative phases of care.
• Develop a plan to assess for fall and injury risk.
• Perform advances pain management interventions.
• Demonstrate competence to maintain patent airway.
• Provide postoperative discharge teaching.
• Initiate and maintain IV therapy.
• Perform appropriate head-to-toe assessment.
• Care for the postoperative patient.
• Provide postoperative nausea and vomiting medications.
• Prepare preoperative patients for surgical procedures.
• Demonstrate knowledge/skills to care for patients recovering from general, local, or regional anesthesia.
• Sets a positive example to all staff in daily activities.
• Behaviors and interactions demonstrate a positive attitude, personal initiative and motivation to achieve the goals of the department.
• Champions the development and growth of safety culture.
• Demonstrates organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills.
• Participates in all competencies planned for the job role prior to deadlines.
• Complies with the Surgical Services/ PACU policy.
• Follows the policies in the Employee Handbook.
• The spreading of rumors and gossip creates unnecessary turmoil, weakens working relationships, and is contrary to the spirit of the hospital and is prohibited.
• Follows Forrest Health’s mission, vision and values.
• Works assigned shift and responds when called upon for additional or emergency services.
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related job duties as assigned.
• Responsible for checking communication app during working hours.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills

• Graduate of an accredited program required.

Work Experience:

• One year telemetry nursing care preferred
• Previous PACU experience preferred

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

• Licensed RN able to practice within the State of MS

Additional Certification/Licensure - Obtained based on required timeframe below

• Basic Life Support

Within 30 Days of Employment

Required

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support

Within 90 Days of Employment

Required

• Pediatric Advance Life Support

Within 180 Days of Employment

Required

• NIH Stroke Scale

Within 90 Days of Employment

Required

• Telemetry Nurse Education

Within 90 Days of Employment

Required

• Moderate Sedation

Within 90 Days of Employment

Required

Mental Demands:

Ability to perform as a team member, cooperate with others, follow directions precisely,

demonstrate initiative, set priorities, and function under stress.