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Summary

Major Job Functions

The following is a summary of the major essential functions of this job.  The incumbent may perform other duties, both major and minor, that are not mentioned below.  In addition, specific functions may change from time to time:

• Assesses the patient and identifies patient care needs
• Uses patient assessment information to organize appropriate patient care
• Plans, organizes, implements, and evaluates patient care
• Facilitates a safe environment
• Maintains required competencies
• Functions as charge nurse as assigned
• Maintains an accurate and relevant record of patient care
• Administers medication as ordered by physician
• Recognizes life threatening situations and responds appropriately
• Establishes collaborative interdisciplinary relationships with other Health System staff and medical staff
• Monitors the quality of care based on pre-established outcome-oriented indicators
• Actively participates in cost containment and assists in accurate charging for patient services
• Adjusts care based upon age-specific physiological and psychosocial needs of patients
• Supports patients in the practice of their cultural and spiritual beliefs within limits of medical regimen
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications, or equivalents, are the minimum requirements necessary to perform the essential functions of this job:

Education and Formal Training: 

• Associates Degree in Nursing or equivalent required
• Bachelors Degree in Nursing preferred
• Current licensure in North Carolina as a Registered Nurse or Compact state licensure

Unit Description:

• PACU is a 15-bay phase I recovery area for patients undergoing anesthesia for various surgical and interventional procedures. 
• Some of the surgical procedures performed in the OR’s include hernia repair, cholecystectomies, appendectomies, large and small bowel resections, trauma, ortho trauma, orthopedic joint replacement, neurosurgical, ortho neurosurgery, cardiac and vascular surgery, urology, and other specialty surgeries.  
• PACU staff assist with bedside procedures requiring anesthesia support such as perioperative nerve blocks, transesophageal echocardiograms, cardioversions, and blood patches. 
• The PACU staff work collaboratively with the anesthesia providers and all members of the surgical team.
• We champion a team-based approach to individualized patient care and work alongside surgeons, surgical residents, and general medicine providers. 
• Our care team includes:
  • The PCM and Resource Nurse who can assist with access to education, resources, guidelines, and protocols.
• PACU is a high-acuity area providing exposure to a variety of surgical treatment and critical care nursing skills.
• Post Anesthesia Care Nursing is a specialty clinical area with its own nationally recognized certification; CPAN- Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse.  Test fee reimbursement offered with successful completion of certification exam.

Work Experience:

• Adult, geriatric, and pediatric surgical patients.
• Must have at least a year of PACU, ICU or ED experience.
• New graduates are not accepted for this role.
• This position will be 9hr shifts totaling 36 hours per week.
• 1 weekend call rotation every 5th weekend.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required: 

• Proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking the English language
• Demonstrates positive interpersonal skills 
• Verbal and written skills required 
• Demonstrates effective organizational and leadership skills
• Has knowledge of the age-specific physiological and psychosocial, developmental and spiritual needs of the patients typically served

Physical Requirements: 

• Speech and auditory acuity for communication of patient needs 
• Visual acuity for observation of patients 
• Much standing, walking, bending, and lifting 
• May involve skin, eye, mucous membrane, or parenteral contact with blood or other potentially infectious material
• Must be able to lift 35 pounds

Required Licenses and Certifications

Cape Fear Valley Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Disability/Veteran/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity