RN PACU Charge Nurse

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.

POSITION’S ESSENTIAL 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.

Required Skills/Abilities: 

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

1. Current RN license.
2. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications required.
3. 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:

1. Strong clinical judgment and decision-making abilities.
2. Excellent communication and leadership skills.
3. Proficiency in electronic health records (EHR) and hospital information systems.
4. 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 care.
• May require on-call availability, weekend, or holiday shifts depending on surgical volume.

Why Join Legent Health?

Legent Health fosters an environment where team members are empowered to deliver exceptional care while growing professionally within a supportive, values-driven culture.

We Offer:

• Competitive salary and performance incentives
• Comprehensive benefits package 
• Paid time off and wellness programs
• Career development and training opportunities

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Legent Health is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

I-9 and E-Verify Compliance:
 Employment eligibility will be verified through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system. All applicants must provide valid documentation to establish identity and authorization to work in the United States, as required by federal law.

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