Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse (RN)
The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing exceptional preoperative, postoperative, and recovery care to patients undergoing elective cosmetic surgical procedures in an office-based plastic surgery practice. The PACU RN ensures safe patient recovery from anesthesia, delivers compassionate patient-centered care, and collaborates closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical assistants, and clinical staff to promote optimal patient outcomes.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities Preoperative Responsibilities
- Perform comprehensive preoperative patient assessments.
- Verify patient identity, surgical procedure, consent forms, allergies, and medical history.
- Review laboratory results and medical clearances.
- Educate patients and family members regarding the surgical and recovery process.
- Establish IV access as needed.
- Prepare patients for surgery according to office protocols.
Post-Anesthesia Care
- Monitor patients recovering from general anesthesia, IV sedation, or local anesthesia.
- Perform ongoing assessments of airway, breathing, circulation, neurological status, pain, and surgical sites.
- Monitor vital signs and recognize early signs of postoperative complications.
- Administer medications, IV fluids, oxygen therapy, and treatments as ordered.
- Manage postoperative pain, nausea, and comfort measures.
- Respond promptly to emergencies and initiate appropriate interventions.
- Document patient assessments, interventions, medications, and recovery progress accurately.
Clinical Duties
- Maintain compliance with infection prevention and sterilization standards.
- Assist with quality assurance and patient safety initiatives.
- Maintain emergency equipment, crash cart, and recovery room readiness.
- Participate in inventory management of medications and clinical supplies.
- Assist with patient flow to promote efficient daily operations.
Qualifications Required
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing.
- Current BLS and ACLS certifications.
- Minimum of 2 years of PACU, ICU, Emergency Department, or critical care nursing experience.
- Strong assessment, critical thinking, and clinical decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR).
Preferred
- PACU or ambulatory surgery center experience.
- Plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, or outpatient surgical experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Thorough knowledge of postoperative recovery and anesthesia care.
- Ability to recognize and respond to medical emergencies.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to multitask in a fast-paced outpatient surgical environment.
- Compassionate bedside manner with a commitment to outstanding patient care.
- Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
Benefits (if applicable)
- Competitive salary
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Employee discounts on cosmetic procedures and skincare products
Reports To: Clinical Manager
Employment Status: Full-Time
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
