Job Search Status
Open to workDesired Job Title
PACU NurseWork Type
Contract WorkPart TimeLocation Preference
RemoteHybridLocation: Indianapolis, IN
Open to relocation: Yes
Open To Work
James Fischer
Plain City,OH
Work Preference
Summary
Experienced PACU Registered Nurse with strong clinical judgment, airway management, and patient assessment skills. Known for safe recovery care, clear documentation in electronic health records, and effective discharge planning.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse
Northwest Regional Medical Center
04.2018 - 04.2023
- Streamlined workflow processes by effectively delegating tasks among team members based on their expertise level while maintaining overall accountability for patient care outcomes.
- Assessed postoperative patients in PACU, monitoring airway patency, vital signs, and neurologic status.
- Administered ordered medications for pain, nausea, and hemodynamic stability under anesthesia protocols.
- Documented recovery progress, interventions, and discharge readiness in electronic medical records.
- Collaborated with anesthesiologists and surgical teams to coordinate safe transfer and recovery plans.
- Recognized post-anesthesia complications promptly and initiated appropriate nursing interventions.
- Educated patients and families on recovery expectations, wound care, and discharge instructions.
- Monitored vital signs and levels of consciousness to verify sedation wore off properly and the patient regained consciousness.
- Evaluated patient pain, nausea, difficulty breathing and fear and agitation in the recovery room and employed various nursing interventions to manage vulnerabilities.
- Helped patient stand, change dressings and use restroom facility to complete discharge process.
Charge Nurse Manager
Northern Indiana Veterans Administration
08.2017 - 04.2018
- Supervised RN and support staff, reinforcing clinical standards and unit accountability.
- Monitored staffing levels and adjusted coverage to maintain continuous care delivery.
- Coordinated patient admissions, transfers, and discharges with interdisciplinary teams.
- Directed nursing operations, ensuring safe patient flow and timely charge assignments.
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse
St. Vincent Hospital
04.2017 - 02.2018
- Maintained strict infection control, patient safety, and quality standards throughout postoperative care.
- Contributed to quality improvement initiatives within the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit by participating in audits, reviewing policies and procedures, and making recommendations for change when necessary.
- Contributed to quality improvement initiatives within the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit by participating in audits and reviewing policies and procedures.
- Maintained a clean and organized work environment, adhering to infection control standards and minimizing risk of crosscontamination.
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse
Physicians Regional Medical Center Collier Blvd.
03.2016 - 03.2017
- Facilitated smooth patient transitions from surgery to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, ensuring timely communication with surgical teams.
- Ensured continuity of care by effectively communicating patient information during handoffs between shifts, maintaining accurate records of all interventions, assessments, and treatments administered throughout each stage of recovery.
- Delivered timely and effective physical, social and emotional nursing care according to established standards.
- Supported colleagues during high-stress situations through open communication channels that foster teamwork dynamics conducive towards an efficient working environment.
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse
Johns-Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital
07.2013 - 02.2016
- Enhanced patient recovery by providing comprehensive post-operative care and monitoring vital signs.
- Acted as a resource and mentor to new nursing staff, providing guidance on best practices in post-anesthesia care, and assisting with orientation and training programs.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements such as Joint Commission standards by following established protocols consistently throughout every aspect of post-anesthesia care delivery.
- Increased efficiency in the unit by maintaining accurate documentation of patient assessments, interventions, and progress.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Barry University
Miami, FL05-2000
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, FL05-2008
Skills
- Patient-centered care
- Advanced cardiac support
- Pediatric advanced life support
- Postoperative education
- Medication administration
- Medication administration
- Monitoring vital signs
- Adult advanced life support
- IV insertion
- Blood draw and sample collection
- Medication administration
- Discharge planning
- Cardiac monitoring
- Time management
- Patient care assessment
- Patient education
- Clinical documentation
- Electronic health records
- Post-operative wound management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Critical care nursing
- Ethical practice
- Cardiovascular life support
- Medication administration
- Condition monitoring
Timeline
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse
Northwest Regional Medical Center
04.2018 - 04.2023
Charge Nurse Manager
Northern Indiana Veterans Administration
08.2017 - 04.2018
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse
St. Vincent Hospital
04.2017 - 02.2018
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse
Physicians Regional Medical Center Collier Blvd.
03.2016 - 03.2017
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse
Johns-Hopkins Sibley Memorial Hospital
07.2013 - 02.2016
Master of Science - Nursing Administration
Florida Atlantic University
Bachelor of Science - Nursing
Barry University