Job Title:* Pre-Operative/PACU Registered Nurse*
Overview:
Under the general supervision of the Director of Nursing/Administrator, the immediate supervision of the Pre-op/PACU Charge Nurse if applicable and following the policies and procedures of the surgery center, the staff nurse assigned the pre-operative area is responsible for using independent judgment in providing care for the pre-operative patient. The staff nurse may also be utilized in other areas according to need and specialized skills.
Position Scope:
The position is responsible for directly providing pertinent information to the patient pre-operatively and gathering information from that patient to ensure the best possible care while he/she is a patient at the surgery center.
Position Functions:
1. : Maintains quality care for the patient at the surgery center and knows appropriate action to take in life-threatening situations as specified in standing orders.
2. : Maintains working knowledge of aseptic technique and applies that knowledge to their respective areas.
3. : Interacts favorably with anesthesia personnel, staff, physicians, patients and families.
4. : Provides patient teaching with regard to specific areas.
Position Activities:
1. Admits patient to the pre-operative area and/or recovery area.
2. Assures operative permit coincides with history and physical and physicians orders
3. Takes and records vital signs and reporting abnormalities to the physician; evaluating laboratory reports for any abnormalities
4. Gathers pertinent information from the patient concerning his/her health problems and pending surgery and provides other personnel with this information to ensure the best possible care
5. Provides the patient with the necessary information concerning the center and his/her individual surgical procedure
6. Monitors patient until he/she leaves the pre-operative area for the operating room under the care of the OR nurse and/or anesthesia department representative
7. Performs excellent telephone skills and interacts favorably with patients, families, physician’s office staff and all areas of the center.
8. Maintains patient airway and may extubate a patient according to criteria.
9. Monitors vital signs.
10. Notifies anesthesiologist of any problems with patients and follows post-op orders for pain medication.
11. Signs out and administers narcotic medication according to policy and narcotics regulations
12. Treats all information obtained from patients, medical records, or any other means as confidential, reporting only to those involved in direct patient care
13. Anticipates and plans for safety needs of patients, visitors and employees
14. Identifies teaching needs and is involved with patient and family teachings related to immediate care and discharge planning
15. Utilizes community resources for health teaching programs for patients and family
16. Assists in formulating and initiating policies, procedures and nursing care objectives
17. Supports the standards of nursing care by utilizing policy and procedures and is aware of the goals and objectives for the department
18. Participates in Quality Improvement activities and makes suggestions for patient care improvement
19. Is aware of the duties and activities necessary for the daily maintenance of the surgery center
20. Participates in orientation of personnel to the center
21. Uses accurate and proper terminology in recording assessments on patient charts
22. Assures operative permit is signed and dated by patient and attending RN
23. Assures all necessary requirements, such as IV or EKGs, are met prior to the patient being transferred to the OR
24. Performs telephone interview of epidural patients, obtaining patients medical history and current medications
25. Files incident reports as necessary
26. Participates actively in staff and department meetings
27. Performs any other duties as assigned by the Director of Nursing
28. Performs any other duties as needed to ensure the safety and comfort of all customers as well as the efficient operation of the facility
Education and Experience:
Must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing with a current Alabama license as a Registered Nurse (RN); two years nursing experience is preferred and must be able to demonstrate knowledge of general nursing; ACLS and CPR required.
Physical Requirements:
Must be in good general and emotional health; some lifting and pushing involved; long periods of standing and walking involved; must possess good physical stamina, adequate hearing and vision, and the absence of back problems.
Refer to the description of essential functions.
Personal:
Must be able to organize work, to maintain professional integrity and ethical judgment, to make intelligent decisions and initiate appropriate action; must be stable, mature, dependable, and able to get along with others.
Pay: $32.00 - $38.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
