Registered Nurse (RN)

Location

San Antonio, TX

Unit Information

• Unit Type: Surgical Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
• Floor: 5th Floor
• Number of Beds: 32
• Patient Ratios: 1:4, sometimes 1:5
• Equipment Used: Walkers, kangaroo pumps, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) devices, chest tubes, ostomies, PEG tubes, NG tubes, foley catheters
• Electronic Medical Records (EMR): Meditech

General Information

This unit operates with a collaborative approach that promotes interdisciplinary teamwork and patient-focused care. The staff includes a charge nurse, registered nurses (RNs), and patient care technicians (PCTs) for both day and night shifts, ensuring comprehensive attention to patient needs.

Typical Responsibilities

• Perform various surgical procedures including but not limited to tracheostomies and laryngectomies.
• Provide post-operative care for bowel surgeries, mastectomies, thyroidectomies, and other related procedures.
• Monitor patients through telemetry and manage routine nursing care tasks.
• Handle care for drains, such as JP drains, biliary drains, and chest tube drains.
• Support nutritional needs through total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and tube feeds.

Qualifications

• Experience Required: Minimum of 2 years in a related field.
• Mandatory Skills:
  • Strong time management skills
  • Critical thinking abilities
• Preferred Skills:
  • Experience in a Post Anesthesia Care Unit
  • Tracheostomy management experience

Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

Work Environment

• Dress Code: Navy blue scrubs
• Shift Start Times: Day shift starts at 0645, night shift starts at 1845
• Weekend Requirements: Rotating weekends

Best Personality Fit

• Team player who values collaboration
• Maintains a positive attitude in fast-paced situations
• Adaptable to changing patient needs and unit dynamics

Notes

The unit strongly emphasizes patient hygiene, communication, and infection prevention practices. Compliance with admission processes and documentation is also critically important.