Registered Nurse, Surgical Services - Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU)

Detailed Overview

In accordance with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) standards of practice and the Mission and Values of Fraser Health, and working collaboratively and in partnership with the interprofessional care team in the provision of person-centered care, provides direct nursing care to patients recovering from anaesthetics within the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) by assessing, planning, providing, coordinating and evaluating nursing care.

Responsibilities Assesses post anaesthetic patients by collecting and evaluating information from a variety of sources using skills of observation, communication, data review and physical assessment.

Makes a nursing diagnosis of the patient''s condition and determines whether improvement or resolution can be determined by an appropriate nursing intervention.

Plans, performs, evaluates and documents nursing interventions and care. Provides nursing care to address critical care needs of patients according to physicians' and anaesthetists' orders, and in conformance with established standards and hospital policies.

• Initiates immediate treatment if required; modifies care as needs change. Communicates and shares information with interdisciplinary health care team members;
• collaborates with members of the interprofessional care team including Physicians, Licensed Practical Nurses, Patient Care Coordinator, Clinical Nurse Educators, and other health care professionals / providers in the identification and resolution of issues, adjustments to care plans as required, and in regard to changes in patient condition Coordinates nursing care for the patient;

sets priorities, assigns and delegates tasks to support staff, and makes referrals to the interprofessional care team according to established protocols and practice standards Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment for patients and staff by following sound bacteriological and preventative medicine principles.

Maintains familiarity with fire and other emergency procedures. Establishes a therapeutic relationship by demonstrating empathy, trust and respect, advocating for the patient's rights to privacy, dignity and access to information, and by ensuring the patient's choice and autonomy in decision making and care planning.

Documents assessments, nursing diagnosis, observations, interventions, patient / family responses, outcomes / evaluations, and referrals according to practice standards and Fraser Health procedures.

Participates on nursing committees, care conferences and councils as assigned or as agreed to with the Manager. Participates in research and quality improvement activities by identifying patient care issues, collecting data, and identifying needs and recommendations for corrective action and changes to practices, procedures or protocols.

Participates in and attends in-services and other educational programs. Identifies own learning goals and maintains and updates current clinical competence and knowledge within area of practice.

Acts as a preceptor or mentor to assigned new nursing staff and students; shares information, demonstrates care activities, participates in orientation.

Provides feedback to the Manager / delegate regarding the effectiveness of patient care programs, policy / clinical decision support tools (e.

g. clinical pathways, standards, order sets and procedures), and equipment. Performs other related duties as required. Qualifications Education and Experience Graduation from an approved School of Nursing.

Current practicing registration as a Registered Nurse with the British Columbia College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM). One year's recent relevant clinical nursing experience in the designated clinical area and completion of post graduate course work and / or certification applicable to the designated clinical area, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities Clinical proficiency in the designated clinical area. Proficiency in initiating and maintaining Intravenous Therapy.

Ability to complete initial and ongoing patient assessment (clinical and diagnostic reasoning) and apply nursing theory and expertise to provide nursing care to patients through appropriate / prescribed technical, therapeutic and safety interventions.

Ability to recognize acuity changes. Ability to determine and deal with emergency situations, patients and families. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians and other personnel.

Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families / care givers, the public, medical staff and members of the interprofessional care team using verbal, written and electronic communication means.

Ability to promote person-centered care that demonstrates empathy for patients and families / care givers, sensitivity to diverse cultures and preferences, and patient advocacy.

Ability to integrate and evaluate data from multiple sources to problem-solve effectively. Ability to teach and instruct patients and families / care givers about topics essential to their health care and well-being.

Ability to organize and prioritize work. Ability to collaborate with and promote cooperation among members of the interprofessional care team.

Ability to use factual information, prior learning and basic principles and procedures to support nursing decisions and actions with relevant research-based evidence / evidence-informed practice.

Ability to operate related equipment including relevant computer applications. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.