Job Summary:
Provides direct patient care to pediatric through geriatric patient populations. Addresses the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care related to the surgical environment. Assists with the maintenance of PACU equipment and inventory. Participates in performance improvement activities. Responsible for monitoring patient’s physiological status in the immediate postoperative environment. Communicates with surgeon and anesthesiologist continuously, and as needed, about patient conditions; receives direction for patient management. Intercedes to maintain optimum homeostasis.
General Requirements:
Employee will adhere to dress code, appearance is always neat and clean
Employee will complete successfully all annual education requirements
Employee will maintain all professional/regulatory requirements
Employee will maintain patient confidentiality at all times
Employee will report to work on time and as scheduled, and will complete work within the designated time
Employee will wear identification while on duty
Employee will use computerized punch time system correctly
Employee completes all in-services and returns them in a timely fashion
Employee will attend annual review and department in-services, as scheduled
Employee will make best efforts to attend all staff meetings
Employee will represent Novi Surgery Center in a positive and professional manner
Employee will participate in Performance Improvement and Quality Improvement activities
Employee will comply with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices
Employee will communicate the mission, ethics and goals of Novi Surgery Center
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Competency to assess the physiological health status of the patient
Verify the operative procedure prior to procedure using consent forms, patient statements, and surgeon verification
Note the condition of the skin for rashes, bruises, lesions, and previous incisions
Determine mobility of the body using patient statements, range of motion, and the history and physical
Report deviation of diagnostic studies such as lab or radiology reports
Check pre-operative vital signs upon admission to surgery: blood pressure, pulse, respirations, pulse oximetry, pain, and temperature
Identify presence of prosthesis such as dentures, pacemaker, and joint prosthesis/implants
Note nutritional status, such as patient has been NPO
Verify allergies to medication, food, or chemicals
Communicate and document physiological data to other members of the surgical and health care team in verbal or written report, including data which might be relevant to discharge planning
Formulate nursing diagnosis based on health data
Competency to establish realistic and attainable goals based on nursing diagnosis and to develop a plan of care based on nursing actions to achieve patient goals
Competency to participate in patient and family teaching
Participate in pre-operative teaching as needed, such as explanation of surgical routine and environment
Communicate and document patient/family teaching
Competency to physiologically monitor the patient during the peri-operative phase
Assist/monitor physical symptoms, behavioral changes, intake and output, and vital signs
Initiate nursing actions or obtain physician order as appropriate, based on interpretation of physiological data/changes
Communicate and document patient’s physiological response to other members of the surgical and health care team in verbal or written report, including which might be relevant to discharge planning
Competency to monitor and control the environment
Control the environment to provide ideal patient care, such as temperature of the room, sensory stimuli, traffic, and noise level
Adhere to all safety policies and procedures
Maintain appropriate traffic pattern in the perioperative environment
Adhere to sanitation policies for infection control including confining and containing waste for appropriate disposal
Competency to respect patient’s rights
Demonstrate awareness and practice according to the Patient’s Bill of Rights and Novi Surgery Center policy
Provide for patient safety and maintain patient confidentiality
Communicate and document provision for patient rights as appropriate
Competency to perform nursing actions that demonstrate accountability
Exercise safe judgment in decision-making
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changes in nursing practice
Respond in a positive manner to constructive criticism or recommendations for improvement
Demonstrate tact, understanding, and good guest relations when dealing with patients, visitors, team members, physicians, physician’s offices, and vendors
Practice within ethical and legal guidelines
Seek opportunities to continue learning
Communicate and document nursing actions
Competency to evaluate patients
Develop outcome criteria and measure degree of achievement
Communicate and document degree of goal achievement to other members of the surgical and health care team in verbal and written report, including that which may be relevant to discharge planning
Competency to evaluate effectiveness of nursing care
Continuously evaluate the patient’s needs, plan of care, and nursing actions, adjusting the plan as required to provide optimum patient outcomes
Assess the patient post-operatively and determine the effectiveness of care to desired patient goals
Communicate and document effectiveness of care and results of nursing care to other members of the surgical and health care team in verbal or written report, including that which might be relevant to discharge planning
Participate in the Quality Improvement Program activities including identification of aspects of care, collection and analysis of data, formulation of recommendations, implementation of an improvement plan, and evaluation of the process
In keeping with the teamwork philosophy, act as a resource person for other staff
Adhere to OSHA guidelines for Universal Precautions for exposure to blood and body fluids, using appropriate personal protective equipment and sharps handling
Demonstrate flexibility in meeting the needs of Novi Surgery Center, including cross-training for all nursing functions and being flexible with shift times
Follow AORN/ASPAN/APIC recommended practices and Novi Surgery Center policy at all times
Perform effectively in emergency situations
Professional/Regulatory Requirements:
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
Current Registered Nurse licensure in the State of Michigan
Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification (or within six months of hire) as required by supervisor
Basic skills related to aseptic/sterile technique
Minimum of two years of work experience in a PACU
Language Skills:
Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
Other Skills:
Basic computer knowledge
Physical Requirements:
Ability to repeat frequent tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, handling, reaching, and twisting.
Requires mobility including walking, standing, bending, and sitting.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.
