Overall Responsibility:

The Registered Nurse is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and coordinating patient care from admission to discharge.  The Registered Nurse is responsible for the achievement of patient outcomes through implementation of critical pathways and in accordance with the mission of the center.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities (essential functions):

1.                  Provides care to post-surgical patients in the PACU according to policy and procedure and care standards.

2.                  Demonstrates knowledge of equipment, including proper usage, troubleshooting, and proper removal from patient care. 

3.                  Maintains knowledge of medications expected patient outcomes post-surgery/recovery, and anticipated complications.

4.                  Recognizes emergency situation, responds quickly and efficiently following policy and procedure, PALS/ACLS, physician orders or emergency plan to prevent adverse patient outcomes.

5.                  Documents of all assessments, interventions and patient outcomes are performed according to policy and procedure and facility standards.

6.                  Completes all documentation to ensure the availability of accurate and up to date information in accordance with established standards.

7.                  Provides verbal and written instructions to family or responsible party for home care including emergency contact numbers, general instructions, and physician specific instructions.

8.                  Ensures that follow-up call is placed to patient and responses recorded appropriately.

9.                  Restocks supplies/equipment and medications to maintain adequate levels for patient care.

10.              Outdates are checked monthly, drugs outdated are returned to the pharmacist and replacements ordered.

11.               Supplies/medications are rotated so that outdates are at a minimum.

12.              Demonstrates continued competence in assessing, treating, and caring for individuals based upon age-specific needs utilizing a developmental perspective.

13.              Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and competence of designated skills identified for position.

14.              Performs appropriate nursing duties during procedures which pertain to pain management using current nursing standards as well as facility standards.

15.              Adheres to established facility safety requirements and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.

16.              Communicates patient information to assure confidentiality and continuity of care.

17.              Interacts with all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees in a mature, responsible manner to ensure a positive and professional environment.

Licensure and Certification:  Current Registered Nurse Licensure with the State.  BCLS required, if not currently PALS and ACLS trained, must obtain PALS and ACLS training within 90 days of hire.

Experience Required:  Minimum of one-year experience in PACU, Emergency, or ICU preferred. 

Environmental and Physical Requirements: The employee works in a temperature controlled environment. Candidate must be able to read, write and speak English fluently, have cognitive skills for math, reading, filing and sterile technique skills.  Communication skills to deal well with employees, patients, families and physicians.  Vision for near, mid-range, far and accommodation.  Hearing for low, medium, and high pitch.  Job requires physical ability for long term standing, occasional sitting, crouching, kneeling, frequent walking, reaching with reaching above head and below waist.  Job risk include exposure to blood and body fluids (high), contact with chemicals, lifting of 30 - 40 pounds and exposure to infectious disease.