RN - Pre-Op/PACU (PRN)

Principal Activities and Expected End Results

Develops a care plan that meets individual patient needs and follows established nursing standards of care/practice and applicable Ambulatory Surgery Center/ departmental policies and procedures. Utilizes critical thinking skills in the formulation and implementation of the patient’s care plan. Records actions and patient response: Potential discharge needs are identified and communicated according to policy.

Delivers care with respect to the individual’s spiritual and cultural needs. Notifies surgeon and/or anesthesiologist of abnormal lab values changes in patient condition. Provides patient care in a professional and ethical manner.

Demonstrates an understanding of, and appropriately applies, policies. Utilize available resources. Identifies unsafe patient care practices and assumes responsibility for intervention.

Prioritizes and delegates tasks/assignments based on patient need and skill level of staff. Delivers medication according to policy. Verifies surgeon, identifies the patient and operative site.

Ensures that informed consent and History and Physical are present prior to surgery. Performs pre-operative assessment based on unit policy. Assessment includes, but is not limited to, the review of the pertinent pre-op data, physical and psychosocial considerations and any special needs related that may impact the delivery of care during the preoperative and postoperative course.

Acts as a resource person and provides direction to other members of the health care team to ensure comprehensive and safe patient care. Advises and directs team members in the selection and preparation of routine supplies and equipment for patient care. Provides support and assistance to anesthesia providers as needed, specifically during the pre and post anesthesia periods.

Changes in the patient’s physiological and behavioral status are addressed and documented as they occur: Recognizes adverse responses to care or treatment. Responds appropriately to life threatening emergencies (Code Blue, Fire/Disaster). Communicates with patient’s family/significant other as needed.

Provides any significant status change and documents appropriately. Positions patients, provides protection of pressure points, and keep body parts in proper alignment. Communicates effectively with supervisors, co-workers, physicians, and other healthcare providers.

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his/her assigned unit: Possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status. Interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age specific needs. Provides care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to operate equipment to properly care for patients including cardiac monitor, dinamapp, pulse oximeter, blood glucose monitor, defibrillator, external pacemaker. Pre- and post-operative phone calls to patients. Complete PACU documentation records as appropriate.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Requirements

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and

Experience

Preparing patients for procedures, including starting IVs, completing paperwork and securing signed consents prior to surgery; Receiving patients' post-surgery and recovering them in a timely manner to ensure the patient can be safely discharged; Conducting patient and family education; Ensuring the patient has a post-op appointment to return for follow-up; Reviewing patient charts for completeness and calling patients to provide instructions prior to surgery; and Calling patients post-op to check on progress and answer questions regarding their procedure and recovery.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and

Experience

At least one year of PACU experience; Critical care nursing experience; Current licensure by the Virginia Board of Nursing or a multi-state license; and Current CPR certification. ACLS certification is a plus.

Prior work

experience

Previous experience in perioperative services, pre-op, PACU, or an ambulatory surgery center.

Physical

Requirements

The individual performing this job may reasonably anticipate coming into contact with human blood and other potentially infectious material. Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices when applicable, and learn to abide by the policies related to safety and infection control.

Must be able to lift, push, pull, or transfer up to 50 pounds and assist with heavier patient transfers using appropriate equipment or team assistance. Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, twist, and climb as necessary to provide patient care. Use hands and fingers for fine motor tasks, including handling of medical equipment and documenting patient information. Posses’ visual acuity, hearing, and verbal communication abilities sufficient to observe patient conditions. Frequently push and pull wheelchairs, stretchers, carts, and other patient care equipment.