Post-Anesthesia Care Nursing Jobs

Description

Perianesthesia nursing provides intensive care to patients as they awaken from anesthesia. A Perianesthesia nurse educates patients for what to expect during surgery, then monitors and supports the patient as he/she wakes from anesthesia and becomes ready to move out of the perianesthesia care unit. Perianesthesia nurse employment is available in both inpatient and outpatient facilities, including freestanding ambulatory surgery centers.

Responsibilities

Perianesthesia nurses work with patients and doctors to minimize complications from anesthesia, including respiratory compromise, hypotension, emergence excitement, nausea, vomiting and pain. A wide range of nurses may choose to work within perianesthesia, including staff, clinical specialists, nurse anesthetists, managers, coordinators, supervisors, directors, executives, educators and researchers. All perianesthesia nurses must have an in-depth understanding of anesthesia and its effects on patients. Medical/surgical and critical care nursing skills are a must, including line placement, tube/catheter/IV insertion and removal, and dressing changes. Given the unique nature of this specialty, there is considerably less patient interaction and follow up than in other nursing disciplines.

Education and Qualification

As with many other critical care nursing specialties, perianesthesia nursing job opportunities require licensed registered nurses (RNs), with an associates, bachelors or advanced degree strongly preferred. Many perianesthesia nurses also pursue advanced nursing certification to improve their skills and job opportunities.

Associations and Publications