JOB SUMMARY

The Staff Nurse of the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, (PACU) is a registered nurse responsible for providing comprehensive direct and indirect nursing care to patients preparing for and recovering from anesthesia and surgical procedures. The PACU Staff Nurse assesses, plans, implements, coordinates and evaluates patient care throughout the pre- and post-anesthesia periods and collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to promote safe, high quality patient outcomes.

PERFORMANCE DIMENSIONS AND TASKS

Essential Job Functions The duties listed below are the essential functions of this position. Employees must be able to perform these essential functions, with or without reasonable accommodation. This list is intended to describe the primary responsibilities of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Additional job-related duties may be assigned as needed. 1. Coordinates the nursing care of the patient during pre and post anesthesia phases of care. a. Responsible for the safety of the patient while in PACU. b. Participates as team leader or member in planning and implementing the nursing care for each assigned patient. c. Utilizes a body of nursing knowledge and discriminative judgment while giving direct or indirect patient care. Directs and participates in carrying out safe aseptic technique and procedures. 2. Performs the duties of the PAT and PACU nurse a. Check room for needed supplies and prepares the room for specific patient and procedure b. Brings patient to room and assumes responsibility for care of patient. c. Responsible for PACU records, charge slips and patient charts. d. Knows and assists with proper safe positioning of the patient. e. Properly identifies, labels and cares for specimens. f. Administers and records all medications given g. Secures emergency equipment and supplies as needed h. Controls the general "tone" of the PACU. 3. Assists in control and maintenance of drugs, supplies and equipment. a. Records used items in proper place and method b. Reports and records any discrepancy in items. c. Participates in care, handling, maintenance, storage and ordering of supplies and equipment. 4. Assists in administrative duties as directed. a. Helps with maintenance of records and filing of PACU procedures and policies b. Assists in establishment and maintenance of procedures, policies and standards. c. Assists in scheduling and assignment of PACU schedules and personnel. d. Acts as charge nurse when necessary 5. Assists in supervision of personnel and department to assure a safe environment. a. Checks rooms, material, equipment for proper care and handling. b. Assures clean and safe environment through continued alertness to safety and explosive hazardous and aseptic techniques. c. Coordinates with supply department to assist in maintenance of material and all supplies d. Assists in control of traffic and personnel to ensure proper control of infection. 6. Assists in PACU staff development and education. a. Assists in orientation of new personnel. b. Assists in establishing and presenting educational programs in the department. c. Provides education to others in the specialty under supervision and direction. d. Assists in formulation and interpretation of procedures, standards, techniques and education of personnel. 7. Maintains interpersonal relations/communications. a. Gives feedback to Manager pertaining to other staff in regard to behavior that is detrimental to: • Achievement of patient care objectives • Achievement of nursing unit and organizational objectives. Suggests options for achieving change in behavior when needed. 8. Gathers, disseminates and communicates pertinent information. a. Completes clinical assignments in a timely fashion including maintenance of equipment and supplies a. Completes non-clinical assignments, tasks, and projects within a pre-established agreed upon time frame. b. Prioritizes own workload relative to patient care c. Attends and participates in staff meetings d. Obtains information presented in staff meetings if unable to attend. e. Participates in nursing unit goal setting as requested. f. Attends mandatory in-service programs. g. Participates in committee work as requested. 9. Maintains professional responsibilities to enhance personal growth a. Understands and functions within the scope of the California Nurse Practice Act. b. Completes Clinical Experience Mastery Sheet by the end of the probationary period c. Keeps all licenses and certificates current. d. Plans for personal change and growth based on evaluation and feedback. e. Participates in setting measurable goals for performance f. Acquires knowledge or experience to meet goals. 10. Performs other duties as assigned. a. Performs other duties within capabilities as assigned by Manager.