Manager, Main PACU

SUMMARY:   

Administers, organizes, integrates and evaluates the activities over the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).  Accountable and responsible for the delivery of safe, effective, direct and indirect care for the patient.  The manager of PACU will demonstrate sound leadership skills and should be able to provide ongoing assessments and evaluations of the department’s performance with emphasis on the needs of the patient recovery from surgery and anesthesia.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Manages staff; interviews, hires and trains; evaluates employee performance; deals with performance problems as appropriate; delegates work assignments effectively.

Assists in managing department budget. Monitors effectiveness of Main PACU in relation to objectives, productivity and costs.

Possesses the technical skills and expertise to act quickly, knowledgeably and appropriately in any situation that may occur in the PACU.

Designs, with agreement from Director of Nursing (DON) and implements a flexible staffing plan that parallels current surgical volume, ensuring smooth flow into and out of the PACU department, preventing any periods of holding the OR.

Monitors patient acuity/staffing through the bi-weekly productivity report and takes appropriate action.

Serves as a resource and role model for staff. Maintains current knowledge of health care trends as well as nursing and surgical practice.

Plans, evaluates, recommends and implements new initiatives when appropriate.  Identifies areas of need and immediately develops quality improvement initiatives.

Ensure medication safety and adheres to all necessary evaluation and reconciliation processes regarding medications.

Provides safe environment for patients and caregivers, compliant to EOC rules, ASPAN recommendations and all regulatory requirements.

Facilitates development of unit specific standards of care aligned with ASPAN best practices with realistic and measurable patient care outcomes. Performs performance improvement activities meeting goals and aligning with hospital true north.

Provides and updates patient teaching materials as needed to enhance patient recovery.

Provides orientation for the medical staff to the Main PACU.

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with TMC surgeons, vendors, and anesthesia.

Supports and promotes a positive image of TMC when dealing with patients and others inside and outside the organization. 

Promotes an optimum environment in which the patient care team can accomplish mutually developed goals.

Investigates patient complaints and/or incidents, initiating corrective and/or disciplinary action. Ensures the application of customer service principles in meeting and exceeding the expectations of TMC customers to ensure satisfaction is optimized.  Teaches and demonstrates positivity in department and holds department to same standard.

Responsible for formulating and administering policies, plans, budgets and programs for the OR department.

Ensures compliance with requirements of federal, state and community agencies, regulatory authorities, and hospital policies and procedures.

Selects and monitors preceptors in development of their role to facilitate new grad hires as well as new hires incorporation into the unit staff.

Ensures the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs for staff. Develops and ensures yearly competencies aligned with ASPAN recommendations.

Assists with education planning, documentation, and record keeping for assigned unit(s).

Provides for safe transportation of all patients to and from the surgical services departments.

Reviews and proactively identifies issues and solutions of the daily PACU schedule.

Ensures effective communication with the Bed Control Unit that will optimize the organization’s throughput, and  resources.

Adheres to and supports team members in exhibiting TMCH values of integrity, community, compassion, and dedication. 

Adheres to TMC organizational and department-specific safety, confidentiality, values,  policies and standards.

Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:  Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. (Some positions may substitute a Bachelor’s Degree in a related healthcare field plus relevant experience/training related to the specific skill area). Master’s Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:  Three (3) years of PACU relevant nursing experience with mastery of the role and competencies, evidence of expertise, leadership, teaching and interpersonal skills, and documentation of professional development.

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION: Current RN license permitting work in the state of Arizona and Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES: 

·       Knowledge of critical care techniques, tools and responses required to ensure optimal patient care.

·       Knowledge of processes and procedures to follow during a rapid response, code, or stroke call.

·       Knowledge of surgery specialties and how to prepare, assess and provide Post-operative patient care that ensures best practices are followed.

·       Knowledge of infectious diseases, OSHA and CMS requirements, microbiology and surveillance practices for infection control.

·       Skill in evaluating performance and recommending improvements.

·       Skill in managing and training staff.

·       Knowledge of position control strategies and forecasting staffing needs.

·       Skill in strategic planning and developing staffing plans to meet not only current needs but future needs.

·       Skill in analyzing financial, staffing and production reports to effectively evaluate staffing criteria.

·       Skill in communicating with staff involved in surgical care, and physicians to ensure the proper care of patients.

·       Skill in developing training materials and educating staff in the proper responses for surgical care issues.

·       Knowledgeable of regulatory and accreditation compliance (CMS, DOH, OSHA, ASPAN, AAAHC)

·       Skill in the use and maintenance of computer systems and programs, especially NRCPR, PC File and Folder, Word, EXCEL, e-mail and attachment capabilities, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

·       Ability to create and analyze reports to evaluate staffing needs based on a wide variety of statistical data.

·       Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating instructions, and procedure manuals.

·       Ability to communicate both in writing and verbally in order to lead, teach and report on issues and effectively deal with difficult situations.

·       Ability to complete routine reports and correspondence.

·       Ability to listen and accurately interpret others’ communication or instructions to take appropriate action.

·       Ability to coordinate efforts of a diverse team of care providers.

·       Maintain a positive attitude even during periods of stress and challenge

·       Ability to speak and communicate effectively. 

·       Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

·       Ability to interpret an extensive variety of instructions and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.