RN in Hattiesburg, Mississippi at Forrest General Hospital

Job Summary:

The PACU RN works under the direct supervision of the PACU Coordinator and provides quality patient care through assigned responsibilities. The RN applies the nursing process—including assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation—in an organized and systematic manner and documents care in the Patient Care Record. The RN demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe, age-appropriate care, assess and interpret patient data, identify individual needs, and provide appropriate interventions based on the patient's condition and developmental needs.

PACU RN Performance Expectations

PACU RN performance expectations will be addressed throughout the phases of employment orientation. Expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Communication and Teamwork

• Communicates effectively, respectfully, and professionally with patients, physicians, coworkers, and members of the interprofessional care team.
• Uses positive-language principles to promote exceptional patient and coworker experiences.
• Demonstrates independence, sound judgment, and accountability when interacting with physicians and the interprofessional care team.
• Collaborates with PACU and OR team members by actively communicating and comprehensively reporting pertinent information.
• Promotes a positive work environment and supports effective team dynamics.
• Demonstrates fair, consistent leadership and serves as a positive role model for staff.

2. PACU Clinical Competencies

• Performs all duties required of a PACU staff nurse.
• Demonstrates competency in admitting patients to the PACU.
• Performs appropriate head-to-toe and post-anesthetic assessments.
• Provides care for postoperative patients recovering from general, local, or regional anesthesia.
• Demonstrates competency in maintaining a patent airway.
• Performs advanced pain-management interventions.
• Provides medications for postoperative nausea and vomiting as indicated.
• Assesses patients for fall and injury risk and develops an appropriate plan of care.
• Provides postoperative discharge teaching.

3. IV Therapy and Vascular Access

• Initiates and maintains IV therapy.
• Provides care for patients with central vascular access devices.
• Initiates and administers blood transfusions according to applicable policies and standards.

4. Preoperative and Perioperative Care

• Prepares patients for surgical procedures.
• Provides appropriate preoperative and postoperative care.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the patient's care needs throughout the perioperative process.
• Collaborates with the OR team to support safe and effective patient transitions.

5. Safety and Policy Compliance

• Champions the development and growth of a strong safety culture.
• Follows Surgical Services/PACU policies and procedures.
• Follows all applicable policies and expectations outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Follows Forrest Health's mission, vision, and values.
• Maintains professional conduct and does not participate in rumors or gossip that may create workplace turmoil or weaken professional relationships.

6. Professional Performance

• Demonstrates a positive attitude, personal initiative, motivation, and accountability in achieving departmental goals.
• Demonstrates effective organizational, interpersonal, and time-management skills.
• Completes all required competencies for the role within established deadlines.
• Maintains professional behavior in all workplace interactions.

7. Attendance and Communication

• Works assigned shifts and responds when called upon for additional or emergency services as required.
• Checks the designated communication application during working hours.

8. Additional Duties

• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee will perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

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.