RN - PRE-OP/PACU (REQ 3503)

POSITION PURPOSE:
To provide direct patient care to pediatric through geriatric patient populations, in the perioperative setting as a valued team member and patient advocate.  Perioperative duties include, but are not limited to, scheduling surgeries, preoperative teaching to patient and family, outpatient and postoperative assessments.  Postoperative care includes assessments and anesthesia/surgical recovery and assistance.
 
NATURE AND SCOPE:
The PACU/Pre-op Registered Nurse will be trained in the scheduling of surgeries, pre and postoperative assessments and anesthesia/surgical recovery, starting IV’s, order entry, charting, IV sedation, communication with other staff members, MD’s and Anesthesia.  He/she will be trained to assist in admission and discharge of patients, as well as assist in the day to day coverage throughout the surgical suite as indicated by the department director.  He/she will be able to take Pre-op/PACU call as needed and will report to the Surgical Services Director.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Must have working knowledge of anesthesia medications and antagonists with the understanding and ability to skillfully administer pain control medications and be able to titrate doses to outcomes. 
• They must maintain ACLS and PALS certification, must be committed to patient safety and possess keen observation and assessment skills. 
• ICU, PACU and/or Operating Room experience is highly useful and recommended. 
• Must be a licensed Registered Nurse in the State of Alaska. 
• Two years of acute care nursing experience is preferred. 
• The RN must be able to deal effectively and quickly in highly emergent situations, as well as maintain composure in dealing with all clientele involved in the Perioperative/Pre-op/PACU arena. 
• They must be able to teach, start IV’s and demonstrate effective people skills. 
• He/she will embrace, support and adopt evidence-based care standards and continuing education that ensures quality improvements and patient safety regulatory requirements for best practices and licensure. 
• Accesses and reads practice policies.

ENVIRONMENT:
South Peninsula Hospital’s Surgery Department is located on the second floor of the facility.  The working environment is often complicated by patient problems, family members’ concerns, physician needs and critical emergency situations.  The position requires the ability to manage the physical and medical needs of patients in all levels of consciousness, and includes the full spectrum of pediatric to geriatric age groups.  Surgeon and Anesthetist requirements are complex and attention to detail is critical.  The Pre-op/PACU RN must be able to remain composed and alert while providing a safe environment for and meeting the needs of his or her patients quickly and effectively. They must enjoy the patient – family – health care provider encounter situation and be able to deal with the presenting issues diplomatically and efficiently.  They must demonstrate effective organizational skills.