POSITION GOAL

This job description for the Staff R.N. of the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) provides criteria for the evaluation of the Registered Nurse working in the Staff R.N. position. The Staff R.N. assigned to the PACU provides care to infants, children, adolescents, adults and geriatric patients.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

E 1. Responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating care for
assigned patients.
E 2. Responsible for meeting the Standards of Practice and managing all assigned
personnel, supplies, and equipment.
E 3. Participates in activities to plan, measure, assess, and improve the quality of
patient care.
E 4. Cares for and manages the surgical patient in the post-anesthesia period.
E 5. Cares for and manages the respiratory status of the post-anesthesia patient.
E 6. Cares for and manages the circulatory function of the post-anesthesia patient.
E 7. Cares for and manages the physical and emotional comfort of the post-anesthesia
patient.
E 8. Cares for and manages the surgical site and skin integrity.
E 9. Monitors and maintains intravenous lines and all drainage devices in the
immediate post-anesthesia period.
E10. Assumes the responsibility of charging the department, as needed.

INTERACTION WITH OTHER DEPARTMENTS

The Assistant Head Nurse of the PACU works with the Head Nurse of the O.R. and the Directors or Head Nurses of Surgical Services, General Surgery Unit, and Outpatient Services, to ensure continuity of care for the surgery patient. The Assistant Head Nurse works with professional employees and non-professional employees of the hospital, and with physicians, patients and their families.



Qualifications

Experience:

Two years nursing experience required; one year post-anesthesia or critical care REQUIRED
Education:

B.S. Nursing preferred.
Educational requirements appropriate for meeting population-specific needs of all patients assigned to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit.

Special Qualifications:

1. Current Texas licensure with State Board of Nurse Examiners
2. Current BCLS certification
3. Completion of EKG course
4. Current ACLS certification
5. Current PALS certification