POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for providing nursing care for patients during the critical postoperative phase of the perioperative experience based on established clinical nursing practice standards. Provides continuous patient surveillance for early recognition and immediate response to medical or surgical complications that may arise in any postoperative patient. Collaborates with other professional disciplines to ensure effective and efficient patient care delivery and the achievement of desired patient outcomes. Supports DHR vision and mission. Utilizes knowledge of patient’s age and cultural diversity into the provision of patient care. Contributes to the provision of quality nursing care through performance improvement techniques that demonstrate positive outcomes in patient care.

POSITION EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of accredited school of nursing required
• Current registered nurse’s license in the State of Texas
• Current BLS certification
• ACLS and PALS certification within six (6) months of hire
• Good written and verbal communication skills required.

• Ability to read, write and speak English required
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with all levels of nursing, administration, and physicians
• Prefer hospital experience

JOB KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

Experience in PACU is strongly preferred. Ability to practice nursing as described by the following definition: “The diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential health alternations.” Ability to utilize the best nursing process in the provision of nursing care including but not limited to administering treatments and medications, interpreting diagnostic tests, formulating a plan of care, collaborating with other health care providers and providing education to patients and/or significant others. The successful candidate will be required to pass competencies for this position.

AGE SPECIFIC:

Employees must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served in his/her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirement relative to his or her age.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensures that care is delivered to each patient in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act of the State of Texas, and ANA Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice.

• Supports the philosophy, goals and objectives of DHR and the department.
• Provides effective and efficient patient care management.
• Demonstrates strong and effective managerial techniques/skills in established lines of authority.
• Maintains professional competence by participating in continuing education and other learning experiences.
• Addresses patient needs during admission to discharge.
• Observes patient for changes in condition.
• Adheres to hospital/unit policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines.
• Responds in a timely manner to meet the needs of the patient and physician.
• Demonstrates ability to adapt to varied age-specific patient populations.
• Supports and promotes excellence in customer/guest relations.
• Supports and promotes the organization’s Infection Control Program.
• Supports and promotes the organization’s Safety Program.
• Supports and promotes the organization’s Risk Management Program.
• Demonstrates maturity and accountability for job performance.