The Integration of Perianesthesia Certified Nurses into an Ambulatory Specialty Treatment Center

Abstract

In 2013, the Ambulatory Surgical Center Post Anesthesia Care nurses assumed responsibility for recovering pediatric patients receiving general anesthesia in our Proton Therapy Center (PTC). The Proton Therapy Center is a freestanding ambulatory center with a three bay recovery area. Due to staffing, Magnet and Joint Commission requirements, it was determined that Certified Post Anesthesia Care nurses would be the preferred providers of nursing care. Certified nurses practice in accordance with ASPAN standards and practice recommendations in the care of the anesthetized pediatric patient population. The perioperative nurses who were volunteering to transition to the Proton Center were mostly adult outpatient PACU nurses with previous pediatric recovery experience, but limited knowledge and experience in Radiation Oncology.