RN PACU Full-time Days

Lutheran Hospital; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

Sign On Bonus

401K with 50% match up to 6%

Student Loan Repayment (up to $20,000)

Tuition Reimbursement $5,000

PTO & EIB

Job summary

Lutheran Hospital is seeking a PACU RN to provide high-quality post-anesthesia care in a 16-bay PACU with 1 isolation room. The role offers 0.9 FTE (36 hours per week), Monday–Friday shifts from 9:00 am to 9:30 pm, and holiday rotation with monthly back-up call. Benefits and a sign-on bonus are included.

Responsibilities include patient assessments, medication administration, patient education, and collaboration with the care team to ensure safe recovery and adherence to protocols.

Qualifications

• RN license in Indiana (or compact state).
• Basic Life Support (BCLS) certification required.
• ACLS and/or PALS preferred.
• Ability to work holidays as scheduled and participate in call rotation.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient-centered care in PACU using the nursing process.
• Assess patients waking from anesthesia and manage post-operative needs.
• Administer medications and monitor for adverse effects per protocol.
• Coordinate with physicians, nurses, and staff to ensure safe recovery.
• Document care thoroughly in the medical record and follow infection control practices.
• Respond to emergencies and support life-saving interventions as needed.

Skills

Nursing assessments

Medication administration

Patient education

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Vital signs monitoring

Education

Indiana RN license

Job description

PACU - 16 Bays plus 1 Isolation Room

Only work the Holidays when they fall on a Saturday/Sunday

Back up Call Rotation is once per month (11a-7p)

Full-time: 0.9 FTE (36 hours per week)
Monday - Friday
9a - 9:30p (Days)
Holiday rotation
Call rotation

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, & Vision benefits starting the first month after hire
• Sign On Bonus
• 401K with 50% match up to 6%
• Student Loan Repayment (up to $20,000)
• $5,000 Tuition Reimbursement
• PTO & EIB

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 respond to any post-operative complications.
  • Administers medications, including pain relievers and other post-operative medications, as prescribed.
  • Regulates intravenous (IV) fluids and monitor fluid balance.

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