Job description:
PRN PACU Nurse / Outpatient RN
Position Type: PRN (As Needed)
Department: Outpatient Services / Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Reports To: OR Director / Director of Nursing
Hours may vary- Wednesdays 6:30a-3p
Pay is to e determined based off experience.
Position Summary
Lake Martin Community Hospital is seeking a compassionate, skilled, and dependable PRN PACU Nurse / Outpatient RN to provide high-quality nursing care to patients before and after outpatient procedures. The RN will monitor patients throughout the recovery process, assess complications, manage pain and nausea, provide patient and family education, and ensure patients meet established discharge criteria.
The ideal candidate is clinically strong, attentive to detail, calm under pressure, and comfortable working independently in a fast-paced outpatient environment.
Essential Responsibilities
- Provide safe, compassionate nursing care to patients undergoing outpatient procedures.
- Perform pre-procedure and post-procedure assessments and obtain appropriate nursing history and vital signs.
- Monitor patients recovering from anesthesia and sedation, including airway, respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and pain status.
- Recognize and respond promptly to changes in patient condition or potential post-anesthesia complications.
- Administer medications, IV fluids, and other treatments as ordered.
- Manage post-procedure pain, nausea, and other common recovery needs.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record.
- Communicate effectively with physicians, anesthesia providers, surgical staff, patients, and families.
- Provide discharge instructions and education regarding medications, activity restrictions, wound care, diet, and signs/symptoms requiring medical attention.
- Verify that patients meet established discharge criteria prior to leaving the facility.
- Ensure safe patient transfers and appropriate handoff communication.
- Maintain infection prevention, medication safety, and patient safety standards.
- Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, and properly stocked clinical environment.
- Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
- Perform other nursing duties within the scope of practice as assigned.
Qualifications
- Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state.
- Current BLS certification required.
- ACLS certification preferred or required based on facility standards.
- Previous PACU, perioperative, ambulatory surgery, outpatient, critical care, emergency department, or procedural nursing experience preferred.
- Strong assessment, critical-thinking, and clinical decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in urgent or emergent situations.
PRN Requirements
- Flexibility to work varying shifts based on patient volume and departmental needs.
- Availability to work on an as-needed basis, including occasional weekends or extended hours as applicable.
- Reliable attendance and ability to respond to scheduling needs with appropriate notice.
- Willingness to float between PACU and outpatient nursing functions as needed.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift, move, and reposition patients safely with appropriate assistance.
- Ability to push equipment and transport patients as required.
- Ability to perform CPR and respond quickly to emergency situations.