Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse - job 2 of 2

As a Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse at Emory Healthcare, you will be responsible for assessing patients' needs post-surgery, evaluating their responses to planned care, and adjusting care plans as needed. You'll work closely with both patients and their families to educate them about care options, utilize the AACN Synergy Model in your practice, and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality care. Your role will also involve advocacy for patients' needs based on their conditions and actively participating in orientation and mentorship for new staff and students.

To apply for the Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse position at Emory Healthcare, you must have graduated from an accredited nursing school and possess a valid and active unencumbered nursing license approved by the Georgia Licensing Board. Additionally, you need at least 12 months of recent nursing experience within the past five years or have recently completed a re-entry nursing program. BLS certification is required, and ACLS certification may also be required in designated departments.

Emory Healthcare offers an impressive array of benefits for Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurses, including comprehensive health benefits starting on your first day, student loan repayment assistance, family-oriented benefits, and wellness incentives. You will also have access to ongoing mentorship and development programs aimed at enhancing your career and leadership skills. At Emory, we value our staff and are committed to providing you with a supportive environment to thrive.

The work environment for a Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse at Emory Healthcare is dynamic and fast-paced. You will be working in the Ambulatory Surgery Center at the Executive Park Musculoskeletal Institute, where you’ll care for a daily patient population of over 60 in a variety of surgical specialties. Staffing hours are from early morning until late afternoon, and you may be required to travel to other Emory ASC locations based on operational needs. This environment fosters teamwork and collaboration to ensure the best patient outcomes.

Emory Healthcare deeply values the professional development of its Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurses by providing ongoing mentorship, access to leadership programs, and numerous development resources. You'll have opportunities to enhance your clinical skills and knowledge through training sessions and workshops, competing within a network of over 3,450 physicians. Our aim is to ensure every nurse feels supported and equipped to reach their career aspirations.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of your experience in post-anesthesia care and the types of procedures you've been involved in. Highlight your knowledge of patient monitoring and care protocols, any relevant certifications, and how you've handled complex cases or emergencies during your tenure.

Discuss your approach to assessing and managing pain effectively, including your familiarity with various pain management techniques and medications. Mention your experience in educating patients about pain control options and the importance of communication with the medical team to ensure optimal recovery.

Share your strategies for prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment, such as using triage principles, remaining adaptable to changing situations, and effectively delegating responsibilities when appropriate. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed multiple patients while ensuring high standards of care.

Describe specific protocols you adhere to for ensuring patient safety, such as infection control measures, monitoring vital signs, conducting thorough assessments, and implementing emergency response procedures. Highlight your commitment to maintaining a safe environment for patients post-surgery.

Discuss your approach to communicating with families post-surgery, including how you provide updates, answer questions, and involve them in the care process. Emphasize the importance of empathy and clarity in these discussions, ensuring families feel supported and informed.

Explain your methods for ensuring effective handoffs, including documenting important patient information accurately, sharing relevant clinical updates, and confirming understanding with the receiving team. Highlight your experience in facilitating smooth transitions in care.

Discuss your conflict resolution approach by emphasizing open communication, understanding different perspectives, and finding common ground. Describe a specific instance where you successfully resolved a conflict in a nursing environment to illustrate your teamwork abilities.

Mention your dedication to continual learning through attending workshops, seeking mentorship, participating in professional organizations, and staying updated on best practices in nursing. Express your commitment to growth and how it translates into better patient care.

Provide a specific example of a time when you advocated for a patient’s needs or preferences effectively. Explain the actions you took, the outcomes of your advocacy, and how it positively impacted the patient’s care experience.

Share your passion for working in the PACU by discussing aspects you find fulfilling, such as the ability to monitor recovery closely, support patients during a vulnerable time, and work collaboratively with a skilled healthcare team. Highlight your desire to contribute to high-quality, patient-centered care.