PACU Nurse - Sign On Bonus! - Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital : Job Details

Job Summary:

Provides direct patient care to pediatric through geriatric patient populations. Addresses the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care related to the surgical environment. Assists with the maintenance of PACU equipment and inventory. Participates in performance improvement activities. Responsible for monitoring patient's physiological status in the immediate postoperative environment. Communicates with Surgeon and Anesthesiologist continuously and as needed about patient conditions. Receives direction for patient management. Intercedes to maintain optimum homeostasis.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Approaches patient in a kind, gentle and friendly manner
• Gives patient explanations and verbal reassurances consistently
• Responds to patient's inappropriate behavior in a therapeutic manner
• Adapts procedures for treatment to meet individual needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients
• Knowledge of perioperative factors that alter immediate postoperative phase
• Utilizes nursing procedures as a media for communication and interaction with patient
• Identifies physical symptoms and changes and takes appropriate action in a timely manner
• Completes treatments as ordered or within one hour, if appropriate
• Knowledge of airway management and procedures and the ability to use the equipment
• Ability to assess cardio-respiratory systems for changes and provides appropriate treatment
• Observes behavioral and physiologic changes due to medications, takes appropriate actions and documents
• Adjusts and acts upon expectations of patient's behavior according to the effect medication has on patient
• Ability to provide specific care to postoperative, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients
• Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments and special procedures
• Carries out established techniques for safe administration of medications and parenteral fluids according to Hospital policies and procedures.
• Carries out safety measures to prevent patient from harming him/herself or others.
• Coordinates patient care; gives explanations and teaching to patient/family, as necessary
• Protects patient's sensitivities and right to privacy
• Demonstrates knowledge of arterial lines, Swan-Ganz, spinal and epidural catheters and how to document
• Demonstrates ability to make independent and intelligent nursing decisions in the care of the PACU patients
• Obtains, documents and assesses vital signs every five (5) minutes x3: then a minimum of every 15 minutes
• Medicates postoperative patient as needed after pain assessment and evaluation of patient's condition
• Closely observes patient with minimal disturbance
• Responds appropriately to patient in an emergency or physically distressful situation
• Provides family with the opportunity for reciprocal communication with the nursing staff
• Clearly documents in charting ideas, facts and concepts about the patient. Documentation is completed within shift; meets standards, policies and procedures
• Communicates effectively and thoroughly the patient's condition upon transfer from PACU to the receiving unit Registered Nurse
• Notifies physician of any abnormal lab/test results
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationships with co-workers for the patient's benefit
• Maintains regulatory agency requirements, hospital and nursing policies, procedures and standards
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of facts and good judgment
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of disease and surgical conditions and the care required
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of dysrhythmias followed by appropriate treatment
• Completes specially assigned duties consistently and as schedule allows
• Utilizes initiative; strives to maintain steady level of productivity; self-motivated. Organizes and manages activities reflecting due consideration for the needs of the department and staff
• Charts concisely and accurately with Computerized data entry utilizing hospital format
• Demonstrates professional conduct at all times
• Excellent attendance record
• Consistently demonstrates a positive approach and cooperative working relationship with patients, physicians and staff
• Completes annual educational requirements
• Consistently represents the organization in a positive and professional manner in the community
• Maintains patient/staff confidentiality at all times
• Maintains regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and TJC regulations related to the Department and as appropriate, the hospital
• Actively participates on assigned committee and attends management meetings as indicated
• Ensures staff compliance with policies and procedures regarding department and hospital operations including fire, safety and infection control
• Effectively and consistently communicates administrative directives to personnel and encourages interactive departmental meetings and discussions
• Consistently performs duties according to the Mission, Values and Vision of the hospital
• Wears hospital identification bade at all times and always adheres to the Hospital and Department dress codes
• Complies with the organizational policies including but not limited to policies regarding Ethical Business Practices, Harassment, Standards of Conduct, Attendance and Safety
• Performs duties and responsibilities within the expectations of the San Benito Health Care District Corporate Responsibility (Compliance) Program

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Basic Computer knowledge
• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English

Education and Experience:

• Current Registered Nurse licensure in the State of California.
• BCLS Certification
• PALS Certification required within 6 months of hire
• Current ACLS Certification
• Minimum of one year of work experience in PACU preferred