Recovery Room PACU Nurse

Job Description

Key Responsibilities and Duties

1. Receive patients from the operating room and obtain a proper handover from the anesthesia team.
2. Assess patients' airway, breathing, circulation (ABC), and level of consciousness.
3. Monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and temperature.
4. Monitor patients recovering from general, regional, or local anesthesia.
5. Assess and manage postoperative pain using prescribed medications.
6. Monitor for complications such as:

• Respiratory depression.
• Hypotension or hypertension.
• Bleeding.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Delayed recovery from anesthesia.

1. Administer medications, IV fluids, and oxygen as prescribed.
2. Monitor surgical wounds, dressings, and drains.
3. Maintain accurate nursing documentation and patient records.
4. Provide emotional support and reassurance to patients and their families.
5. Ensure patient safety and infection prevention.
6. Prepare patients for transfer to the ward, ICU, or discharge according to hospital policy.
7. Respond promptly to emergencies and initiate appropriate interventions.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or equivalent.
• Valid nursing license.
• Previous experience in PACU, ICU, emergency, or critical care is preferred.
• BLS certification.
• ACLS certification preferred or required according to hospital policy.
• Good communication, assessment, and critical-thinking skills.

Essential Skills

• Airway management and respiratory assessment.
• Postoperative patient monitoring.
• Pain assessment and management.
• Recognition of anesthesia-related complications.
• Emergency response and resuscitation.
• Medication administration.
• Patient education and documentation.