Job Summary

The PACU nurse is responsible for providing quality nursing care utilizing the nursing process as reflected in Peri anesthesia Standards of Practice. Post-anesthesia nursing practice includes, but is not limited to, the role of coordinating care of patients/families by intervening in actual or potential problems including evaluation of the patient’s response to the care.

Essential Functions

• Follows the nursing process for patients admitted into PACU
• Communicates with surgeon, anesthesia care provider, and OR RN about procedure, blood loss, unexpected occurrences during the case, drains/tubes, dressings, pain management, level of nausea and/or vomiting, and relevant patient medical/surgical history and medication allergies
• Is at the patient’s side during extubation (and reintubation if needed) and waking up from anesthesia; safely positions patient; accurately documents and charges patient,
• Gives report to SDS, nursing unit, and ICU nurse; includes family in patient status when possible and picks them up on the way to the unit.
• Has working knowledge of a-lines and monitoring, ventilators, PCA, airway management, hemodynamic status, CVP lines and epidurals, hydration status, infusion pumps, EKG rhythms and appropriate actions based on the reading.
• Follows recommended practices of ASPAN.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Minimum Education/Certifications

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing, preferably BSN program.

Current NJ license.

CPAN preferred with maintenance of the required continuing education.

(BLS) from the American Heart Association and ACLS mandatory. Certification in PACU preferred.

Minimum Work Experience
Minimum two years of experience in a related healthcare position

Previous endoscopy experience required

Working Conditions

Exposed to unpleasant odors, body waste, and communicable diseases. Encounters stress, crisis, emergencies, trauma, and death. On feet most of the day, lifts patients and moves heavy equipment. Interacts with family, visitors, health team members and other hospital and referral agency personnel.