Registered Nurse Pacu

Job Summary:

The Registered Nurse (PACU) provides specialized perioperative nursing care to patients in the pre-anesthesia, post-anesthesia Phase I and II stages of their surgical experience. The role involves monitoring vital signs, managing intravenous access, administering medications, and ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout the perioperative process. The nurse acts as a patient advocate, collaborates with interdisciplinary teams, supervises assigned personnel, and participates in continuous professional development to deliver high-quality care in a fast-paced surgical environment.

• Perform nursing assessments on patients during preoperative and postoperative phases.
• Manage patient admissions according to hospital standards.
• Initiate and maintain intravenous access for patients.
• Monitor vital signs including heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and consciousness; report and intervene as necessary.
• Utilize the Aldrete scoring system during PACU care.
• Maintain patient airway and respiratory function.
• Provide interventions to support genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological systems, and fluid/electrolyte balance.
• Communicate patient status consistently to medical staff.
• Administer pain medications and assess their effectiveness.
• Treat post-operative nausea with medications and comfort measures.
• Develop individualized peri-anesthesia care plans.
• Assist anesthesia providers with nerve blocks as needed.
• Administer medications following the 8 rights of safe medication practices.
• Assess and maintain surgical site integrity to promote tissue perfusion and prevent infection.
• Perform interventions to maintain normothermia throughout care continuum.
• Educate patients and caregivers on care plans, medication management, wound care, diet, activity, anesthesia side effects, and signs of complications.
• Assess patient progress toward desired outcomes.
• Collaborate effectively with other healthcare disciplines and nursing staff.
• Transfer patient care and delegate tasks per Oregon State Board of Nursing guidelines.
• Use critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict resolution to foster effective team relationships.
• Advocate for patients and safeguard patient privacy and health information.
• Adhere to safety protocols such as fall risk and infection control.
• Document patient care accurately in electronic medical records.
• Maintain required competencies and participate in required educational programs.
• Participate in on-call rotations for the Post-Anesthesia Unit as scheduled.
• Float to other qualified departments as needed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

• Current Registered Nurse license in the State of Oregon.
• Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred).
• BLS, PALS, ACLS, and TNCC certifications.
• Minimum of one year critical care experience or two years medical-surgical nursing experience.
• Strong clinical assessment and medication administration skills.
• Proficiency in electronic medical record documentation.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure healthcare environment.

• Conscious sedation certification.
• CAPA/CPAN certification.
• Ultrasound Guided IV certification.
• Experience in day surgery, PACU, pre-admission services, or ambulatory surgery centers.
• Familiarity with glucometer, arterial lines, space labs, Epic charting, bladder scanners, ultrasound machines, Belmont rapid infuser, and blood warmers.
• CRASE training (required if travel assignment exceeds six months).

• Regular participation in on-call rotation for the Post-Anesthesia Unit.
• Adherence to strict safety protocols including infection control and fall risk prevention.
• Work involves exposure to infectious diseases, hazardous materials, and medical equipment requiring use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Physical demands include lifting up to 50 pounds independently and assisting with transfers of patients over 100 pounds using proper techniques or assistance.
• Work performed in a fast-paced, unpredictable healthcare environment with multiple simultaneous demands.

• Monday through Friday schedule, 3:00 PM to 11:30 PM shift.
• Shift assignments may include floating to other qualified departments.
• Regular on-call rotation participation required.