RN PREOP PACU PAT FT

Job Summary:

The Preop PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) PAT Coordinator is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the PACU, ensuring high-quality patient care during the post-anesthesia recovery phase. This role involves coordinating nursing staff, managing patient flow, ensuring compliance with safety protocols, and collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient recovery outcomes.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

Clinical & Patient Care Coordination:

• Supervise and coordinate the post-anesthesia recovery process, ensuring safe and effective patient care.

• Monitor patients in the PACU for complications, pain management, and overall recovery progress.

• Ensure adherence to evidence-based practices for post-operative pain control, airway management, and hemodynamic stability.

• Act as a clinical resource and provide guidance to PACU nursing staff in managing complex cases.

Staff Supervision & Workflow Management:

• Oversee daily staffing, ensuring appropriate nurse-to-patient ratios and adequate coverage.

• Assist in training, mentoring, and evaluating PACU nursing staff to maintain high standards of care.

• Facilitate communication between the surgical team, anesthesia providers, and nursing staff to ensure seamless patient transitions.

• Address workflow challenges and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency in the PACU.

Compliance & Quality Assurance:

• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, regulatory standards (e.g., The Joint Commission, CMS), and infection control protocols.

• Monitor and document patient outcomes, adverse events, and quality improvement initiatives.

• Participate in audits, inspections, and accreditation processes related to perioperative services.

Administrative & Operational Responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including anesthesia recovery notes and discharge criteria.

• Assist in developing and implementing PACU policies, procedures, and best practices.

• Collaborate with supply chain management to ensure the availability of essential PACU equipment and medications.

• Coordinate with other perioperative leaders to support departmental goals and initiatives.

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Required Skills/Abilities:

• Education: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) required; Master’s degree preferred.

• License/Certification:

o Current RN license.

o Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications required.

o Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) preferred.

• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of PACU, ICU, or perioperative nursing experience, with leadership or supervisory experience preferred.

• Skills:

o Strong clinical judgment and decision-making abilities.

o Excellent communication and leadership skills.

o Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and hospital information systems.

o Ability to handle high-stress situations and respond effectively to patient emergencies.

Work Environment:

• Typically works in a hospital or outpatient surgery center PACU.

• Fast-paced and physically demanding role, requiring quick decision-making and hands-on patient