Center Nurse — Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

OPERATION SMILE PHILIPPINES FOUNDATION, INC.

Job Description

Center Nurse — Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Cebu Comprehensive Cleft Care Center of Excellence | Clinical Operations

Employment Type: Regular Full-Time

POSITION OVERVIEW

The PACU Nurse works in close coordination with anesthesia providers, surgeons, and ward nurses to ensure patients transition safely from the operating room through recovery and on to the post-operative ward.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive patients from the operating room and conduct a comprehensive handoff assessment from the anesthesia provider and OR nursing team.
• Continuously monitor and document patient vital signs, oxygen saturation, level of consciousness, airway status, and hemodynamic parameters during the recovery phase.
• Assess and manage post-operative pain using standardized pain scales; administer medications per physician order and document response.
• Monitor for and respond promptly to post-anesthesia complications including respiratory depression, airway obstruction, nausea/vomiting, hypotension, and agitation.
• Manage pediatric patients in recovery with age-appropriate assessments and comfort measures, including parental accompaniment as appropriate.
• Ensure airway adjuncts, suction equipment, oxygen delivery systems, and emergency medications are available and functional at all times.
• Confirm removal of throat packs and presence of tongue stitches for palate patients prior to transfer, in accordance with OSP Global Standards.

• Assess patient readiness for transfer to the post-operative ward using standardized recovery scoring criteria.
• Conduct a thorough and structured nursing handoff to the receiving ward nurse, communicating clinical status, medications administered, and outstanding concerns.
• Coordinate with the ward team for bed readiness and patient reception prior to transfer.
• Document all PACU nursing activities, assessments, and interventions accurately and in real time.

• Respond to emergency situations within the PACU calmly and competently.
• Escalate critical changes in patient condition immediately to the attending physician or anesthesia provider.
• Adhere to OSP patient safety protocols, infection control standards, and Global Standards for safe surgery.

• Implement nursing policies, procedures, and PACU-specific protocols aligned with OSP COE guidelines.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and adverse event reviews for PACU-related incidents.
• Maintain PACU equipment readiness, cleanliness, and supply par levels.
• Support medical education activities of the COE, including orientation and mentoring for nursing students and trainees observing in the PACU.

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited institution.
• Current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Philippines (PRC license in good standing).
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience in an ICU, OR, or ER setting is required.
• Pediatric nursing or critical care experience is an advantage.
• Strong assessment skills and ability to respond rapidly to changes in patient condition.

• Advanced Clinical Assessment and Critical Thinking
• Emergency Preparedness and Response
• Patient Safety and Vigilance
• Effective Communication with Multidisciplinary Team
• Emotional Composure Under Pressure
• Accurate and Timely Documentation
• Alignment with Operation Smile's Mission and Values