This job description defines the tasks and responsibilities normally expected of the Post Anesthesia Care Nurse, but it should be understood that it is not all inclusive and is subject to change by the Surgery Services Supervisor or the Director of Patient Care Services. 

The Post Anesthesia Care Nurse will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate the patient and care needed from admission through discharge, provide comprehensive patient care, act as a resource person for the patient, family and non-professional staff. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

· Check narcotics at beginning of shift with another RN.

· Communicates and documents physiological/psychosocial status data by verbal report and patient record. 

· Assesses vital signs, sensory impairments if present.  

· Assesses for perception, expectation of care and coping mechanism pertaining to procedure.

· Identifies cultural practices and religious beliefs and how to integrate them into the patient care plan.

· Confirms identity of patient by means of chart check, verbally from the patient and reading armband.

· Assess symptoms and changes in patient’s condition and responds appropriately to those situations. 

· Assess patient upon admission and reports immediately to anesthesiologist. 

· Takes and records admission report from anesthesiologist. (i.e. type of surgery, vitals, history, I & O and drug allergies)  

· Complete a nursing assessment to identify individualized patient needs and problems.

· Provides emotional needs during transfer by verbal communication, touch, or comfort measures.

· Prepares for potential emergencies by having crash cart, etc., available.

· Keep physician and/or anesthesiologist aware of any changes in the patient’s condition.

· Initiate standing orders and notifies physicians/anesthesiologist as indicated.

· Carries out physician/anesthesiologist’s orders accurately, seeking clarification when necessary.

· Keep up-to-date on drugs, their use, and actions used in the unit.

· Administer medications accurately and records on PACU record in a timely manner.

· Complete treatments as ordered in a timely and accurate manner.

· Practices appropriate aseptic techniques where indicated.

· Adheres to blood administration according to hospital policy.

· Adheres to the OSHA Blood Borne Pathogen guidelines.

· Ensures proper techniques and standards of care are maintained.

· Controls environment within the unit via traffic control, temperature/humidity, sensory stimuli, and clean/safe.

· Keep supplies and equipment in a “ready” manner for the incoming patient. (i.e. suction, O2, monitor cables)

· Respond appropriately to emergency situations, calling for help immediately if needed.

· Keep unit area clear of visitors and equipment when another patient’s (#2) admission is imminent.

· Assure all equipment is functional prior to use.

· Apply the CPM and SCD units on the designated properly and document use.

· Complete a discharge criteria assessment of patient and relate information to floor nurse upon transfer.

· Exercises safe judgement in decision making through past experience and assessments.

· Maintains accurate records of all post anesthesia care patient care following established policies and procedures. 

· Provides Business Office with an accurate accounting of patient charges.

· Demonstrates tact and understanding when dealing with patients, team members, and ancillary staff. 

· Document all assessment, implementation, and evaluation of treatment accurately and in a timely manner.  

· Maintain appropriate supply levels in the unit. 

· Notifies supervisor of any malfunctioning equipment and takes the necessary actions to remove from use. 

· Consistently and without reminders, completes occurrence reports for incidences needing documentation. 

· Practice within ethical and legal guidelines. 

· Participate in the quality management monitoring.  

· Adhere to hospital Infection Control guidelines. 

· Consistently and without reminders, completes occurrence reports for incidences needing documentation. 

· Demonstrates flexibility/adaptability to changes in nursing practice.  

· Participates in teaching and orienting co-workers within the suite.  

· Participates in the mentoring and orienting of nursing students during their rotation. 

· Functions within designated dress code and personal hygiene.  

· Exhibits an enthusiastic, optimistic attitude. 

· Supports and interprets the hospital’s philosophy, objectives, and policies. 

· Participates in activities that will assist nursing and the hospital’s administration to provide ongoing improvement in patient care services.

· Adheres to the “Code for Profession Nurses” 2, State Registered Nurse Practice Act, Patient Care Standards of Practice, and the Hospital’s Policies and Procedures.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Reports for scheduled shift on time and prepared to assume responsibilities.

• Reports to work in proper uniform or attire.
• Leaves for meal break on time and returns on time.
• Varies work schedule to meet the needs of the department.
• Ensures the department head prior to working has approved all overtime.
• Schedules all time off with supervisor’s approval.
• Strictly adheres to hospital attendance/tardiness policies 100% of the time.
• Performs all duties as assigned.
• Wears I.D. badge in a visible location at all times on hospital property.

2. Attends and participates in meetings and is responsible for information communicated at meetings.

• Attends all mandatory in service on a timely basis as scheduled.
• Participates as an active team member at staffs meetings.
• Reads communications and acts upon in a positive and informative manner.

3. Assists all patients, family members, physicians, visitors, and employees in a professional and courteous manner.

• Extends special attention and sensitivity to all patients, visitors, physicians, and fellow employees.
• Assists in maintaining an atmosphere of cooperation with other departments and allied professionals.
• Demonstrates respect and cooperation in all staff relationships, and a genuine willingness to prevent or resolve inter-personal conflicts.
• Demonstrates the ability to participate in and/or implement team decisions.
• Actively participates in and encourages actions that promote good public relations with patients’ families, visitors, and the community.
• Works together in a spirit of teamwork.
• Shares information on a “need to know” basis.

4. Follows Infection Control procedures at all times.

• Clinical Personnel: Strictly adheres to standard precautions by adhering to the usage of personal protective equipment when handling blood or body fluids.
• Non-Clinical Personnel: Washes hands and other skin surfaces with soap and water thoroughly and often in an effort to control spreading of germs within the department and facility.
• Adheres to isolation procedures at all times as applicable.

5. Adheres to the following environmental care standards.

• Demonstrates adequate knowledge of safety policies and procedures, the use of MSDS sheets, hazardous material procedures, and safety codes.
• Code Blue, Code Gray, Code Silver, Code Amber, Code Red, Code Orange, Rapid Response Team
• Demonstrates adequate knowledge of security issues, i.e. personal protection, protection of personal and hospital property.

6. Be familiar with the collective bargaining agreement of the USNU and Mid-Valley Hospital.

7. Demonstrates the ability to adapt to varied age-specific patient populations.

• Non-Clinical Personnel: This position has no responsibility for the assessment, treatment, or care of patients. However, the ability to communicate and interact with patients of all ages is required.

EDUCATION:

Graduated from an accredited School of Nursing.

ACLS required, will have 1 year to obtain ACLS from date of hire.

Completed an approved course or on the job training.

EXPERIENCE:

Nursing experience that has provided opportunities to refine competencies in nursing practice and the application of administrative principles.

The Post Anesthesia Care Nurse must be a registered nurse graduated from an accredited school of nursing, and previous PACU, ICU, or ER experience is strongly preferred. He/she must demonstrate professional behavior. They must participate in continuing education and demonstrate motivation for continued self-improvement. ACLS and CPR required. Must be able to handle a high level of stress and standing.

General knowledge of instructional skills, work simplification methods, skill analysis, and group dynamics.

Progressive leadership experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE/REGISTRATION:

Current state nursing licensure.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT: Standard Precautions.

CAREER PATH: Surgical Manager, Director of Patient Care Services

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

May be required to work any shift in emergencies.

May be required to work any day of the week.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This person spends 95% of their time in a temperature controlled space

WAGE AND COMPENSATION

Wage range $ 34.13  hr. - $ 61.82  hr.   - DOE plus $20,000 sign on bonus

Mid Valley Hospital also offers a generous compensation package with vacation, sick leave, life insurance and a profit sharing plan. We also offer the opportunity of a low cost out of pocket medical, dental and vision insurance plan as well as 403(b) investments.

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