Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse

Job Summary:

The PACU Registered Nurse will provide clinical support to the Nurse Manager and Physicians by providing care to patients pre and post-operatively. Provide nursing services to ensure the center’s objectives are achieved in an effective, timely and efficient manner. 

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Demonstrate awareness of patients’ concerns and a willingness to address them.
• Avoid and prevent casual discussion of patient’s surgery among employees.
• Ensure patients safety and comfort.
• Observe pertinent changes in symptoms of patients’ condition and take appropriate action; report to surgeon.
• Document all pertinent messages or communication with patient in patient’s chart.
• Perform pre- and post-operative teaching with patients.
• Prepare patients for surgery.
• Check Accucheck machine monthly and log.
• Check Pre-Op and PACU refrigerators daily and log.
• Give medications as ordered.
• Distribute linens.
• Clean stretchers and area as needed.
• Report and evaluate case studies.
• Perform EKGs and breathing treatments as ordered.
• Review pre-operative charts to ensure all lab studies and necessary paperwork are available for surgery as needed.
• Be prepared for all cases at the scheduled surgery times.
• Complete Recovery Room Records.
• Clean and Restock Recovery Rooms.
• Monitor patient in Recovery Room until stable for discharge.
• Record surgical procedures in the surgical book.
• Perform chart audits for surgery center as needed.
• Review pre-operative charts as needed.
• Place post-operative follow up calls to patients.
• Assist with updating of printed material. 
• Triage incoming calls, take messages (pull corresponding patient chart as needed, transfer calls when appropriate and communicate with physician.
• Check charts for completeness and close out. 
• Initiate communication to the Nurse Manager and CEO in areas that require feedback, follow-up or need to be addressed.
• Ensure quality assurance standards are maintained.
• Performs other job-related duties as required.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks.
• Ability to maintain confidential records, PHI.
• Proficient with EMR.
• Demonstrates competency for clinical skills as outlined in job responsibilities, maturity and tact in dealing with patients, clients, co-workers; ability to maintain a helpful and positive regard for patient and family.

Education and Experience:

• Current state licensure as a registered nurse in the state of Georgia. 
• Insurable by an appropriate medical malpractice insurer for the limits required by Georgia Surgical Center on Peachtree.
• CPR certification for Healthcare Providers
• Minimum two (2) years’ experience in Ambulatory Surgery setting.

Physical Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking. 
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.