Description
Provide specialized nursing care for patients recovering from anesthesia and surgery, monitoring and stabilizing physiologic status and preventing complications. Deliver pain and nausea management, wound and device care, patient and family education, and coordinate transitions from PACU to unit and through discharge.
- • Evaluate indications, contraindications, and risks of postoperative interventions (analgesia, antiemetics, fluids, early mobilization).
- • Recognize and respond to signs of postoperative deterioration or complications (bleeding, airway compromise, sepsis, PE) per protocol.
- • Distinguish expected post-anesthesia effects and age-related responses from abnormal findings.
- • Manage pain and sedation using pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic methods; titrate therapies and revise care plans based on response.
- • Monitor cardiac rhythm, oxygenation, and ventilation; identify concerning EKG changes or imaging results and notify providers.
- • Perform BLS/ACLS and other stabilization measures during postoperative emergencies.
- • Conduct focused postoperative assessments using vital signs, I&O, drains, and device data to detect early changes.
- • Set and adjust postoperative devices (PCA pumps, oxygen delivery, wound vacs, chest tube suction) per orders and protocols.
- • Assess the impact of surgery on mobility, nutrition, sleep, elimination, and psychosocial needs; implement supportive care.
- • Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia, pharmacists, therapists, and case managers to coordinate care.
- • Educate patients and families about procedures, pain plans, activity progression, and recovery expectations.
- • Document assessments, interventions, medications, responses, and changes in condition in the medical record.
- • Perform incision care; manage dressings, drains, and staples/sutures per aseptic technique.
- • Set up, operate, and monitor catheters, NG/OG tubes, surgical drains, chest tubes, central lines, and tracheostomies.
- • Obtain blood, urine, and wound specimens; perform point-of-care tests and send labs as ordered.
- • Review postoperative test results; track trends; report critical values and variances promptly.
- • Participate in rounds, handoffs, and interdisciplinary care conferences.
- • Facilitate specialty consults, imaging, or therapies as ordered.
- • Administer IV fluids, medications, and blood products; monitor for and manage adverse reactions.
- • Coordinate DVT prophylaxis, pulmonary hygiene, and early ambulation to prevent complications.
- • Assess caregiver readiness and support needs; involve family in care and teaching.
- • Develop and reinforce discharge teaching on incision care, medications, diet, activity limits, devices, and warning signs.
- • Maintain current knowledge of postoperative best practices, ERAS protocols, and new therapies.
- • Contribute to the development or revision of unit policies, pathways, and ERAS protocols.
- • Manage admissions from PACU, intra-unit transfers, and safe discharges; complete required paperwork and orders reconciliation.
- • Provide mentorship and in-service education to peers and support staff on postoperative care standards.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
