Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Full Time, 3 x 12 hour shifts D/N rotation

The Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) a 22 bed unit where nearly all patients who have received general anesthesia come to recover after their surgery. Patient ratio 2:1 with daily challenges of acuity and patient flow.

Prior post-anesthesia or critical care experience preferred, BLS and ACLS required, PALS certification within one year of hire required.

Position Summary:

Provides professional nursing care to patients within an assigned unit. Assesses, plans, organizes, provides, and evaluates nursing care utilizing the nursing process and critical thinking. Makes nursing judgments and decisions and assumes responsibility for nursing care and documentation.

1. Utilizes the nursing process to assess, diagnose, identify outcomes, plan, implement and evaluate an individualized plan of care.
2. Utilizes critical thinking and the nursing process to anticipate and recognize changes in patient status, taking action to modify the plan of care or to elevate to the care team as necessary.
3. Practices in accordance with the ANA Code of Ethics to advocate for patients, uphold their autonomy in decision-making, ensure informed consent and assist patients in families in expressing self-determination.
4. Actively seeks feedback and acts to improve performance.
5. Engages in the governance of practice.
6. Manages interpersonal relationships for self and with others.
7. Mentors colleagues for the advancement of nursing practice and the profession.
8. Assumes authority and accountability for the nursing care of patients while appropriately delegating elements of care to others members of the care delivery team in accordance with laws, regulations and policies and procedures.
9. Prioritizes and organizes time to optimize patient outcomes.
10. Actively seeks out the most current evidence and standards and applies and translates to daily practice.
11. Role models a culture of inquiry, developing new knowledge by contributing to research, quality improvement, and evidence-based practice at the local level.
12. Communicates effectively in a variety of formats in all areas of practice.
13. Actively partners with others to effect change that produces positive outcomes through the exchange of knowledge.
14. Precepts the student nurse, nurse extern, nurse resident, experienced clinical nurse and other members of the healthcare team.
15. Performs other duties as required or assigned.

• Graduate from an accredited Nursing Program required.
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Required Licensure/Certifications

Dartmouth Health offers a total compensation package that includes a comprehensive selection of benefits. Our Core Benefits include medical, dental, vision and life insurance, short and long term disability, paid time off, and retirement plans. Click here for information on these benefits and more: Benefits | DHMC and Clinics Careers

Dartmouth Health is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Dartmouth Health provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to applicants and employees with sincerely held religious beliefs in accordance with applicable law. Applicants who require an accommodation during the application or interview process may contact talentacquisition@hitchcock.org for assistance.

There are so many reasons to join Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics, members of Dartmouth Health, the premiere health system in New England.

First and foremost are our people. No matter the role, you’ll find a shared purpose here. We have doctors ready to teach their knowledge, nurses who lead through experience, and other like-minded individuals collaborating for the health of the community, while inspiring each other day after day.

Career development

Affiliated with Dartmouth College, the atmosphere here is very collegial. You’ll discover educational and research opportunities around every corner. At Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics, you never stop learning.

You’ll also appreciate the resources our wide-spread health care system provides. You’ll have access to experts at the top of their fields, advanced technologies, and modern facilities that enable you to care for patients like nowhere else.

Benefits and wellness

We offer a total compensation package that includes competitive health and wellness benefits. These benefits consist of "Core Benefits" that are provided by Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Clinics as well as "Benefit Choices" that allow you to select additional benefits to meet your personal situation and needs.

Our locations

New England is a very special place to live, work, and become part of a community. We have some of the most advanced educational institutions, best health care, and diverse cultural and recreational offerings you will find anywhere in the country. The public schools are excellent, the mountains are beautiful, and the lakes are pristine. No wonder so many people love it here.