RN-Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

RN, PACU

Allen Hospital - Waterloo, IA

Day Shift, FTE 0.8. Float between PACU and Ambulatory

11-bay and 3-side room unit. PACU provides Phase I recovery from anesthesia and surgery. Our patient population ranges from infant to the elderly. Nurses are certified in BLS, ACLS and PALS, and specialize in airway management and aggressive acute pain management. We have 24/7 coverage with at least two RNs available.

• Assesses the needs of patients and families, providing appropriate teaching and making the necessary referrals to provide continuity of care.
• Develops an individual plan of care using a collaborative approach with the patient/family and health care team. Promptly completes documentation to assure an accurate legal record of patient's care.
• Delivers high quality care utilizing the nursing process while demonstrating knowledge and clinical skills of the specialty required on assigned unit in accordance with established policies, procedures and standards of care. Utilizes holistic approach (considering biopsychosocial, spiritual, educational, safety, and related criteria) appropriate to the age of the patients and families served in the assigned service area.
• Delegates and provides direction for other healthcare providers and hold them accountable for their involvement in the plan of care.
• Utilizes critical thinking in making independent judgments, and maintains responsibility and accountability for the knowledge of conditions of assigned patients.
• Continues professional development and involvement in professional activities that enhance nursing practice by sharing knowledge through networking and research.
• Assess and chooses teaching strategies appropriate to the patient's and their families' age specific needs, culture, gender, readiness to learn and level of comprehension.
• Consults appropriate resources within the hospital to provide specialized education.
• Demonstrates knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.

• Associates Degree in Nursing.
• Current license in the state of Iowa or meets criteria established by Iowa Board of Nursing. Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English.
• Multicultural sensitivity, customer/patient focused.
• Microsoft Office - basic computer skills.
• Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.