RN PACU

Northwest Health; La Porte (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwest Health - La Porte is seeking an RN for our PACU, with shifts between 9am and 11am start times and 8-hour durations. On-call every 5th to 6th weekend with 45-minute response; one day a week of call. Benefits include medical/dental/vision, tuition assistance, and student loan repayment eligibility.

The RN provides patient-centered care, coordinates with care teams, administers medications, and educates patients and families on post-operative care, with a focus on safety and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of nursing process and clinical practices.
• Ability to assess patients thoroughly and communicate findings.
• Proficient in medication administration and monitoring side effects.
• Strong teamwork and communication with interdisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient-centered care per nursing process and protocols.
• Assess, document, report changes in patient condition promptly.
• Administer medications and monitor for adverse effects.
• Assist physicians during procedures within competency.
• Educate patients and families on post-operative care.
• Adhere to infection control standards and safety protocols.
• Maintain accurate documentation in the medical record.
• Respond to emergencies and participate in life-saving actions.

Skills

Nursing assessment

Medication administration

CPR & code team

Patient education

Infection control

Documentation

Education

RN licensure (state)

BCLS certification

ACLS preferred

PALS preferred

NRP preferred

Job description

Northwest Health- La Porte is seeking an RN for our PACU.

• Start time of anywhere between 9am and 11am | 8 hour shifts
• On call every 5th to 6th weekend of call (Saturday 7am-Monday 7am) with a 45 min response time
• One day a week of call.
• Student Loan Repayment Program Eligible
• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

Job Summary

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides patient-centered care through the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This role is responsible for coordinating and delivering high-quality care based on established clinical protocols and physician/provider orders. The RN collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care and desired outcomes, while maintaining a supportive and compassionate environment for patients and their families.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates and delivers high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.
• Conducts thorough patient assessments and documents findings accurately, reporting changes in condition to the appropriate care team members.
• Utilizes knowledge of human growth and development to provide age-appropriate care and education.
• Administers prescribed medications, monitors for side effects, and documents administration in accordance with standards of practice.
• Assists physicians during procedures within the scope of documented competency and skill level.
• Collaborates with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans based on patient assessments and needs.
• Responds to medical emergencies and participates in life-saving interventions, such as CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.
• Advocates for the rights and needs of patients, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in care planning and delivery.
• Provides patient and family education on medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care, ensuring understanding and adherence to instructions.
• Implements and adheres to infection control protocols to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
• Monitors and operates medical equipment (e.g., IV pumps, monitors, ventilators) as needed for patient care and safety.
• Promotes patient safety by adhering to National Patient Safety Goals and maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and staff.
• Participates in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to standards of practice and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrates responsible decision-making in planning, delegating, and providing care based on patient needs and organizational policies.
• Documents patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical record.
• Engages in professional development to maintain clinical competency and understanding of current nursing standards and regulations.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development, to enhance patient outcomes and care delivery.
• PACU RN:
  • Assesses the patient's level of consciousness and responsiveness as they wake up from anesthesia.
  • Evaluates pain levels and administers pain medications as prescribed.
  • Observes any side effects of anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, shivering, or muscle aches.
  • Monitors for and responds to any post-operative complications.
  • Administers medications, including pain relievers and other post-operative medications, as prescribed.
  • Regulates intravenous (IV) fluids and monitors fluid balance.
  • Checks and changes dressings on surgical wounds.
  • Ensures a clear airway and provides oxygen support as needed.
  • Educates patients and families about post-surgery care, potential complications, and discharge instructions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role or student clinical rotations in an acute care setting required

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong knowledge of the nursing process and clinical nursing practices.
• Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively.
• Proficient in administering medications and monitoring for side effects.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting patient care.
• Knowledge of safety standards, infection control, and quality improvement initiatives.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support required
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred
• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation preferred
• Refer to facility or unit-specific guidelines for additional requirements.