Rn Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Job Summary:

The Registered Nurse in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) is responsible for providing skilled nursing care and care management for patients recovering from anesthesia. This role involves assessing patient physiological, psychosocial, and cognitive status, implementing nursing care plans, supervising other caregivers, and ensuring patient safety and comfort. The RN collaborates closely with interdisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in a fast-paced acute care environment.

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments focusing on physiologic, psychosocial, and cognitive status.
• Implement nursing care plans in adherence to policies, procedures, and predetermined care pathways.
• Identify patient and family learning needs and provide appropriate education.
• Document patient care and clinical data accurately in electronic medical records.
• Delegate and supervise patient care activities among nursing and non-nursing staff.
• Organize and prioritize patient care using sound critical thinking and clinical judgment.
• Function as Charge Nurse when assigned, coordinating admissions, discharges, transfers, and staff coverage.
• Maintain professional development through ongoing education and training.
• Adhere to safety protocols including infection control, emergency procedures, and equipment use.
• Engage in effective communication with patients, families, and healthcare team members.
• Uphold organizational values and professional appearance standards.

• Current Registered Nurse licensure in the state of Washington.
• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification at Healthcare Provider level within 30 days of hire.
• Minimum of one year RN experience preferred in acute care or specialty nursing departments.
• Ability to perform nursing assessments, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Strong critical thinking, decision-making, and crisis management skills.
• Physical ability to perform duties including lifting, walking, and CPR.

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification within 6 months of hire and renewal every 2 years.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) or Pediatric Emergency Assessment, Recognition and Stabilization (PEARS) certification within 6 months of hire and renewal every 2 years.
• Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) certification preferred.
• Experience in acute care and PACU nursing.

• May be required to serve as Charge Nurse with leadership responsibilities.
• Work involves frequent standing, walking, lifting up to 30 lbs, and physical stamina for 8-12 hour shifts.
• Ability to handle high stress and rapidly changing patient conditions.
• Compliance with safety, infection control, and emergency protocols is mandatory.
• Must maintain professional appearance and adhere to organizational core values.

• Day shift schedule as designated for PACU nursing staff.
• May cancel up to two shifts per month or six shifts within any 13-week assignment.
• Shift assignments are based on unit needs and may include 8 to 12-hour shifts.