PACU protocols & Discharge Criteria: Perioperative Nursing Update Course - Module 5

The Perioperative Nursing Update Course has been developed by Medcast’s expert clinical educators to provide a comprehensive course suitable to experienced perioperative nurses and those new to perioperative nursing or looking to work in the field.  Content is based on contemporary practices throughout the perioperative environment and support the requirements of nurses working as:

• Pre-admissions nurses - The coordinator of care

• Anaesthetic assistant -  The patient advocate & collaborator

• Scrub Scout nurses - The intraoperative guardians

• PACU nurses - The recovery and discharge expert

The course has been divided into 5 modules delivered throughout the year. Each module consists of 2 live/on-demand webinars delivered one month apart. The webinars are supported by interactive eLearning case studies to extend your knowledge & expertise.

You may choose to enrol in any of the 5 parts or all 5 parts.  The entire course is included in the Medcast Plus subscription or each part can be purchased for $99.

Module 5 addresses Post-Operative Care in the PACU, focusing on the essential protocols for patient recovery and discharge planning. By the end of this module, participants will have a thorough understanding of post-op recovery protocols, criteria for safe discharge, and strategies to intervene early in case of deterioration.

This module will cover critical aspects of post-operative care, including;

1. Phases of Post-Operative Care:

• Immediate post-op recovery 

• Monitoring and assessment

• Pain protocol and sedation scores

• Protocols necessary for patient recovery and safe discharge planning. 

2. Early Recognition of Patient Deterioration:

• Vital signs

• Early warning observation scores

3. Discharge Criteria:

• Criteria based monitoring for discharge

• Post operative delirium

4. Role of Nurses in Managing Patient transitions:

• Stage 1 to stage 2

• Stage 1 to ward

• Stage 1 to ICU

5. Enhancing Patient Outcomes through Effective Communication and Collaboration:

• Involving multidisciplinary teams

• Post-discharge follow-up protocols