RN - Pre-Op/Pacu - Full Time

Watson Clinic LLP; Lakeland (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Watson Clinic LLP is seeking a full‑time PACU nurse to plan, execute and evaluate preoperative and postoperative care for ambulatory surgical patients in Lakeland, FL.

The role requires an active Florida RN license and at least one year in PACU or critical care, with CPR, ACLS and PALC certifications. The nurse will coordinate with OR staff, manage medications, monitor vitals, and discharge patients with appropriate instructions.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited School of Registered Nursing.
• Active Florida RN license.
• Minimum of one year experience in PACU or Critical Care.
• Current CPR, ACLS and PALC certification.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, direct and evaluate the nursing care for the surgical patient in preoperative and postoperative phases.
• Perform pre-admission assessments and provide pre instructions.
• Prepare and organize environment, equipment and supplies for ambulatory surgery recovery.
• Communicate abnormal medical history to anesthesiologist as needed.
• Monitor and document patient condition in PACU and provide post‑op care and discharge instructions.
• Assist physician in sterile/non‑sterile dressing changes and other procedures.
• Maintain safety, restock unit as needed, and ensure a clean Recovery Area.

Skills

PACU experience

Critical care experience

CPR ACLS PALC certified

Education

Registered Nursing License (RN) - Florida

Graduate of an accredited NursingSchool

Job description

Full-time Description

• Responsible for the planning, executing, directing and evaluating the nursing care given to the surgical patient by assuming the preoperative role. The role is defined as the pre-operative and the post-operative period. May have contact with the patient in each phase of the surgical experience. The responsibility includes the preparation, assembly and organization of the environment, equipment and supplies necessary to perform the activities necessary for the preparation and the recovery of the ambulatory surgical patient.
• Participates in the preparation of the patient for surgery. Performs the pre-admission assessment either over the telephone or in person. Provides pre instructions. Ascertains that all appropriate data is in the patient’s record prior to admission or immediately following admission and prior to procedural intervention. Communicates abnormal and/or extensive medical history to the anesthesiologist as soon as discovered.
• Maintains communication with reception area and OR/Endoscopic rooms to assure efficient movement of patients. Assists with the preparation of medications for blocks and/or local injections. Admits the patient in the pre-op area and follows the admission protocols.
• Receives patient from OR/Endoscopic rooms and assesses patient's condition on admission and discharge, and documents on PACU records.
• Observes and monitors the post‑op/procedure patient by taking vital signs, EKG and documenting patient’s progress while in PACU.
• Administers medications, IV’s and treatments; maintain records regarding dispensing of it; observes patient’s reaction and acts appropriately in the event of adverse reactions.
• Performs/assists Physician in sterile and non-sterile dressing changes and other procedures as requested.
• Assures patient that he/she is not, and will not be, left alone in the Recovery Areas. Provides a summary of Post‑op instructions to patient to discharge from the unit.
• Makes sure patient has follow‑up appointment before being discharges; if ordered by the physician. Gives immediate respiratory assistance or support, including use of AMBU bag, airways, and endotracheal tubes; administers CPR; assists with defibrillation, and performs venipuncture, in emergency situations.
• Knows and maintains Code Blue/crash cart. Recognizes and utilizes safety precautions and procedures. Remains familiar with equipment and supplies, including function, location, and upkeep. Assists in restocking unit as needed. Maintain a comfortable, orderly, clear, safe environment in the Recovery Area.
• Performs other duties as deemed necessary.

Essential Functions

• Responsible for the planning, executing, directing and evaluating the nursing care given to the surgical patient by assuming the preoperative role. The role is defined as the pre-operative and the post-operative period. May have contact with the patient in each phase of the surgical experience. The responsibility includes the preparation, assembly and organization of the environment, equipment and supplies necessary to perform the activities necessary for the preparation and the recovery of the ambulatory surgical patient.
• Participates in the preparation of the patient for surgery. Performs the pre‑admission assessment either over the telephone or in person. Provides pre instructions. Ascertains that all appropriate data is in the patient’s record prior to admission or immediately following admission and prior to procedural intervention. Communicates abnormal and/or extensive medical history to the anesthesiologist as soon as discovered.
• Maintains communication with reception area and OR/Endoscopic rooms to assure efficient movement of patients. Assists with the preparation of medications for blocks and/or local injections. Admits the patient in the pre‑op area and follows the admission protocols.
• Receives patient from OR/Endoscopic rooms and assesses patient's condition on admission and discharge, and documents on PACU records.
• Observes and monitors the post‑op/procedure patient by taking vital signs, EKG and documenting patient’s progress while in PACU.
• Administers medications, IV’s and treatments; maintain records regarding dispensing of it; observes patient’s reaction and acts appropriately in the event of adverse reactions.
• Performs/assists Physician in sterile and non‑sterile dressing changes and other procedures as requested.
• Assures patient that he/she is not, and will not be, left alone in the Recovery Areas. Provides a summary of Post‑op instructions to patient to discharge from the unit.
• Makes sure patient has follow‑up appointment before being discharges; if ordered by the physician. Gives immediate respiratory assistance or support, including use of AMBU bag, airways, and endotracheal tubes; administers CPR; assists with defibrillation, and performs venipuncture, in emergency situations.
• Knows and maintains Code Blue/crash cart. Recognizes and utilizes safety precautions and procedures. Remains familiar with equipment and supplies, including function, location, and upkeep. Assists in restocking unit as needed. Maintain a comfortable, orderly, clear, safe environment in the Recovery Area.
• Performs other duties as deemed necessary.

Requirements

Required Education and Experience

Graduate of an accredited School of Registered Nursing. Active Florida RN license. Minimum of One (1) year experience in PACU or Critical Care. Current CPR, ACLS and PALC certification.