STAFF REGISTERED NURSE - Ambulatory Care Unit/ Post Acute Care Unit

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital /

Southern Vermont Health Services Corporation

Job Description

Job Title: Ambulatory RN ACU/PACU

Job Code: 250ACU

Hours: Variable Days

FTE:1

Weekend Schedule: Rotating On Call

On Call Schedule: Rotating On Call

Holiday Schedule: Rotating On Call

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Department Name: ACU/PACU

Department Code:6420

Location: Peri Op Service ACU/PACU

JOB SUMMARY:

The Perioperative Ambulatory RN provides skilled, patient-centered care during the preoperative and postoperative periods, with cross-training to support patient care across multiple areas including the Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU), Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), Pre-Anesthesia Clinic (PAC), and Endoscopy.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assessing the health status of individuals and groups including patients' physical and psychological readiness for surgery
• Collecting patient history, vital signs, and other relevant data
• Preparing patients for surgery, including education on the procedure, medications, and post-operative care
• Establishing nursing diagnoses and goals to meet identified health care needs.
• Planning and implementing nursing interventions in collaboration with other healthcare professionals.
• Evaluating patient responses to interventions and adjusting care plans accordingly.
• Delegating and supervising interventions performed by others as appropriate.
• Educating patients, families, and colleagues.
• Maintaining a safe environment for effective nursing care.
• Ensuring all necessary paperwork and consent forms are completed. 

This role requires flexibility, critical thinking, and collaborative practice in a multidisciplinary team setting. Call coverage is required.

DEPARTMENT SCOPE OF SERVICE:

Perioperative Services at BMH encompasses care from infancy (10 months) through end-of-life, providing comprehensive surgical and procedural services across the following areas:

• Pre-Anesthesia Clinic (PAC)
• Operating Room (OR)
• Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
• Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU)
• Endoscopy
• Minor Procedures
• Sterile Processing Department (SPD)
• Staffing

The department is staffed by:

• Registered Nurses (RNs)
• Surgical Technologists
• Scheduler/Assistant Staffing Coordinator
• Sterile Processing Technicians
• Operating Room Assistants
• Unit Secretary/LNAs
• Perioperative Workflow Coordinator
• Perioperative Supervisor
• Director of Perioperative Services
• Surgical Services

OR

• The OR operates 24/7 with elective surgery hours from 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
• Procedures are conducted in three surgical suites by credentialed surgeons.
• Cesarean sections are performed in the Birthing Center OR.
• Scheduling and block times are coordinated by the Surgical Governance Council.
• Coordination involves physician offices, the OR, Anesthesia, and SPD.

PACU

The PACU provides:

• Immediate postoperative care
• Monitoring prior to admission, transfer, or discharge
• Intensive observation post-surgery or procedure

ACU

The ACU delivers:

• Pre and postoperative assessment, care and education
• Preoperative nerve block placement
• Discharge planning & education

Pre-Anesthesia Clinic

Staffed by RNs, a Workflow Coordinator, and a Unit Secretary, the PAC supports:

• Pre-surgical patient interviews and assessments
• Review of preoperative consults and test results
• Compliance with anesthesia guidelines to ensure surgical patient readiness

Sterile Processing Department

SPD is responsible for:

• Decontaminating and sterilizing instruments for the OR and physician practices
• Ensuring all equipment meets hospital policy and safety standards 

QUALIFICATION:

EDUCATION:

• Graduate of an RN accredited nursing program; BSN preferred. 

EXPERIENCE/SKILL SETS:

• 3-5 years recent outpatient clinical nursing experience preferred
• Acute care experience preferred

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION(S):

• Active State of Vermont RN license
• Current Healthcare Provider CPR certification
• Current ACLS Certification 
• PALS Certification recommended

OSHA CATEGORY

OSHA Category I - Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues require use of techniques of Universal Precautions as evidenced with blood borne pathogens standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

On-the-job time is spent in the following physical activities.

• Standing - Up to 3/4
• Walking - Up to 3/4
• Sitting - 1/3 or more
• Talking or Hearing - 2/3 or more
• Use of hands to finger, handle or feel - Up to 1/3
• Pushing/Pulling - up 1/4
• Stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling - Up to 1/4
• Reaching with hands and arms - Up to 1/3
• Tasting or smelling - None

This position requires that weight be lifted or force be exerted.

• Up to 10 pounds - 2/3 or more
• Up to 35 pounds - 1/3 to 1/2
• Up to 50 pounds - None
• Up to 100 pounds - None
• More than 100 pounds - None

This position has special vision requirements.

• Close Vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
• Color Vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors)
• Ability to Adjust Focus (ability to adjust eye to bring an object into sharp focus)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This position requires exposure to the following environmental conditions.

• Wet, humid conditions (non-weather) - None
• Work near moving mechanical parts - Up to 1/3
• Fumes or airborne particles - Up to 1/3
• Toxic or caustic chemicals - Up to 1/3
• Outdoor weather conditions - None
• Extreme cold (non-weather) - None
• Extreme heat (non-weather) - None
• Risk of electrical shock - None
• Work with explosives - None
• Risk of radiation - None
• Vibration - None

The typical noise level for the environment is:

• Very Quiet
• Quiet
• Moderate Noise
• Loud Noise

Hearing

• Ability to hear calls
• Ability to hear instructions from physician/department staff/others

EEO/ADA STATEMENT

Brattleboro Memorial Hospital provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and strictly prohibits any type of harassment or discrimination in regard to race, religion, age, color, sex, disability status, national origin, genetics, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, gender expression, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, and/or local laws.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Brattleboro Memorial Hospital to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources.

Compensation Disclosure in Accordance with Vermont Act 155

In compliance with Vermont Act 155, Brattleboro Memorial Hospital provides the compensation range for this position in good faith. The listed range represents the pay scale reasonably expected for a successful candidate based on factors such as relevant experience, education, internal equity, and market competitiveness. Final compensation will be determined during the hiring process.