Tri-City Medical Center has served San Diego County’s coastal communities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista, as well as the surrounding region for more than 60 years and is one of the largest employers in North San Diego County. Tri-City is administered by the Tri-City Healthcare District, a California Hospital District. As a full-service acute care public hospital with over 500 physicians practicing in over 60 specialties, Tri-City is vital to the well-being of our community and serves as a healthcare safety net for many of our citizens. The hospital has received a Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission showcasing a commitment to safe and effective patient care for the residents of the community. 

Tri-City Medical Center prides itself on being the home to leading orthopedic, spine and cardiovascular health services while also specializing in world-class robotic surgery, cancer and emergency care. Tri-City’s Emergency Department is there for your loved ones in their time of need and is highly regarded for our heart attack and stroke treatment programs. When minutes matter Tri-City is your source for quality compassionate care close to home. Tri-City partners with over 90 local non-profit and community organizations as part of our COASTAL Commitment initiative. Together we are helping tackle some of our communities’ pressing health and social needs.

Position Summary:

The Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse (PACU RN) at the Clinical Nurse II (CN II) level is a vital part of the PACU team, responsible for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care during the pre & postoperative period. This role requires advanced competencies, specialized certifications, and a strong ability to function autonomously while collaborating with interdisciplinary team members to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes.

Major Position Responsibilities:

The position characteristics reflect the most important duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential functions of the job in a fully competent manner. They should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. The characteristics of the position and standards of performance may be changed by TCMC with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

Patient Care:

• • Coordinate the interprofessional health care team to deliver safe, efficient, patient- centered, timely and equitable care to surgical patients.
  • Conduct comprehensive preoperative and postoperative assessments to identify patient-specific needs.
  • Develop and implement individualized perioperative care
  • Monitor and evaluate patient responses postoperatively, ensuring swift intervention as
  • Act as patient advocate and protect patient dignity and
  • Evaluates effectiveness of care provided by all health care team members, including oneself, and contribution of systems and environment in progressing patients toward desired outcomes.
  • Provide education to patients and families about medical conditions, medications, and post-operative care.
  • Advocate for evidence-based practices in PACU

Safety and Compliance:

• • Maintain a safe, clean working environment, adhering to infection control and hospital
  • Maintain strict adherence to aseptic techniques and infection control
  • Comply with hospital and regulatory standards, including The Joint Commission, OSHA, and AORN guidelines.
  • Adhere to facility policies to ensure safe
  • Identify and report safety concerns; demonstrate willingness to address pervasive systemic issues.

Documentation:

• • Accurately document perioperative care, patient progress, and any pre or postoperative incidents in the electronic medical record (EMR).

Professional Development and Leadership:

• • Provide preceptorship and mentorship to New Graduate Nurses, New Hires, and students, fostering their professional development.
  • Participate in professional development activities, including continuing education, certifications, workshops and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Serve as a resource and advocate for best practices within the surgical services
  • Function in the charge nurse role as needed

Emergency Preparedness:

• • Act decisively in critical situations, such as cardiac arrest, demonstrating advanced clinical skills and composure under pressure.

Qualifications:

Qualifications RN Experience/Transitional RN Program:

• Experience Requirement
  • Experienced PACU RN: Two (2) years of experience as a Registered Nurse in a Pre-op/PACU Unit, required.
  • Transitional RN Program: Five (5) years of experience as a Registered Nurse in an ICU, ED or similar critical care setting, required.

Competencies:

• Technical Skills:
  • Competent in all core PACU skills (e.g., airway management pain control hemodynamic monitoring, post-op assessment).
  • Strong understanding of anatomy, physiology and
• Critical Thinking:
  • Demonstrates critical thinking and clinical decision-making in moderately complex patient situations.
  • Applies knowledge of anesthesia types, post-operative complications, and emergency protocols.
• Communication:
  • Effective verbal and written communication with the surgical team, patients and
  • Strong interpersonal skills to support a collaborative team

Education: 

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing BSN) or may consider Associate Degree (ADN) with five (5) years of experience as a Registered Nurse in a high-acuity PACU or an ICU, ED or similar critical care setting in lieu of BSN required.

Licenses:

• Current California RN License,

Certifications:

• Current BLS; American Heart Association Healthcare Provider,
• Current ACLS; American Heart Association Healthcare Provider certification,
• Current NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification,
• Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) or Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN), or equivalent certification, preferred.

Each new hire candidate who is offered employment must pass a physical evaluation, urine drug screen and pre-employment background checks before starting work. 

*Salary/Hourly wage range for this position is posted.  Actual pay will be determined based on verified experience as well as internal equity.

TCHD is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression), age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.