Registered Nurse PACU PRN

Shift Type

PRN; 8 to 16 hours per week

Provides nursing care to the surgical patient. Involves assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of surgical patient in the immediate post‑anesthetic period. Provides PACU/Recovery nursing care to patients in the facility by performing the following duties.

The PACU RN is responsible for maintaining clinical, communication and personal knowledge and skills required to meet the challenge of delivering safe and effective patient care in the PACU.

• INFANT (0-1 year)
• PEDIATRIC (2-12 years)
• ADOLESCENT (13-17 years)
• ADULT (18-69 years)
• GERIATRIC (70+ years)

Communicates accurate and timely information regarding patients and their care and/or their significant others.

Records pertinent information clearly, accurately and in a timely manner.

Demonstrates positive interpersonal relationships with patients, significant others, and co‑workers.

Utilities appropriate lines of communication.

Assess the health status of the patient by collecting data via:

Organizes a plan of care that incorporates physician‑prescribed treatments, nursing assignments and diagnostic data in a manner that:

Completes admission on patient admission as evidenced by ongoing chart review.

Completes all necessary lab work and IVs in a timely and efficient manner.

Prepares the patient for discharge in the following ways, as evidenced by ongoing chart review:

• Evaluates the patient’s progress for achievement of outcomes/discharge criteria.
• Provides discharge instructions to the patient / significant others.
• Validates ability of the patient / significant others to manage continuing care needs after discharge, through post‑op phone calls.
• Provides education according to the specific knowledge/skill level of the patient / significant others to meet the patient’s ongoing health needs including:
• Safe and effective use of medication including food‑drug interaction, as evidenced by chart review.
• Safe and effective use of medical equipment, if applicable.
• When and how to obtain further treatment.
• Implementation of teaching protocols for patient education.

Implements orders for post‑anesthesia care of patients.

Implements standing orders for critical care emergencies.

Demonstrates knowledge of critical care medications and administers them properly according to policy.

Changes the patient’s plan of care to meet outcomes.

Documents patient care:

• In an eligible manner.
• According to form guidelines.
• According to protocol.
• Content reflects patient condition.

Restocks area with applicable supplies.

Performs appropriate cleaning functions for the unit.

Participates in conference, committee meetings, and educational programs as necessary.

Obtains appropriate patient health history.

Participates in appropriate patient safety related practices.

Demonstrates appropriate judgment and decision‑making skills.

Acts as the patient’s advocate in meeting his/her physical and psychological needs.

Serves as a preceptor and orients new members of the surgical team.

Demonstrates effective communication skills and the ability to recognize and intervene in stressful situations involving the patient, significant other and/or team members.

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