Job Title: PACU Registered Nurse (PACU RN)**

Job Summary:

A PACU Registered Nurse (PACU RN) provides specialized post-anesthesia care to patients recovering from surgical procedures or anesthesia. The PACU RN is responsible for monitoring and assessing patients’ vital signs, ensuring they recover safely from anesthesia, managing pain, and monitoring for any complications to ensure optimal recovery outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess and monitor patients’ post-anesthesia status, including vital signs, level of consciousness, pain levels, and respiratory function.
• Administer medications, including pain management, anti-nausea, and other post-operative medications as prescribed.
• Monitor patients for signs of complications such as respiratory distress, bleeding, infections, and allergic reactions.
• Collaborate with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers to develop and implement recovery plans.
• Provide education to patients and families about post-operative care, wound care, and pain management strategies.
• Recognize and respond to signs of adverse reactions or complications, escalating care as necessary.
• Manage and maintain accurate documentation of patient care, assessments, and outcomes in accordance with PACU standards.
• Monitor and support the use of medical devices, such as oxygen therapy, IV lines, and pain management equipment.
• Ensure infection control measures are followed to prevent complications.
• Advocate for patient safety and ensure appropriate pain control and comfort throughout the post-anesthesia recovery process.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless transitions of care and prepare patients for discharge.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred; Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) accepted.
• Licensure:
  • Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Certification:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required.
  • Certified Post-Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of acute care or perioperative nursing experience preferred, with a focus on post-anesthesia care.