JOB TITLE: Pre-Operative / PACU Registered Nurse

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

Assists in provision of nursing care to patients in an ambulatory surgical setting. Assumes total responsibility for patient care in accordance with physician’s orders and center’s policies. Monitors and controls use of and charging for supplies utilized in the center.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Supervisor of Clinical Services

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Current Registered Nurse License
• Current American Heart Assn. BLS and ACLS certifications

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assesses, develops and implements total nursing care for the pre-operative patient
• Records and reports to appropriate persons all symptoms, reactions, abnormalities and changes in the physical and/or mental conditions of the patients
• Administers medications and treatments ordered by the physician.
• Cares and discharges pre-operative patients according to facility policies.
• Reviews the pre-operative patient’s chart for accuracy and completeness
• Ascertains surgical consent is completed accurately, comparing it to the physician’s order and O.R. schedule
• Ascertains all pre-operative (lab work, chest x-ray, EKG, H&P) work up, if applicable is in the chart and reports abnormal findings to the anesthesiologist and/or surgeon prior to the scheduled day of surgery
• Reports pertinent pre-operative information to the O.R. nurse
• Obtains and labels personal belongings bag and assists patient in proper O.R. dress attire
• Registration form and pre-operative worksheet
• Administers pre-operative sedation
• An order always precedes the administration of medication
• Allergies questioned prior to administration of medication
• Intended action and side effects to medications are known
• Medication is documented on Pre-Operative worksheet including does time, and method of administration
• Functions independently in emergency situations
• Displays proficiency in nursing skills with emergency situations
• Able to make logical and quick decisions based on sound judgment
• Maintain patient and employee privacy and confidential information provided psychological support to patients and/or families
• Maintains rapport with physicians and medical departments which provide services to complete to pre-operative work up i.e. (reference lab, outside radiology services)
• Maintains competence through continuing education
• Meets requirements for CEU re-licensure
• Attends all facility in-services
• Assists in orientation of new employees as directed
• Maintains supplies and cleanliness in the work environment
• Reports and labels any malfunctioning or broken equipment
• Works within the established facility and departmental safety guidelines
• Performs other duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of healthcare products, stock rotation procedures, storage systems, inventory supplements, preference card management and credit.
• Knowledge of medical terminology as related to healthcare products.
• Knowledge of inventory control procedures.
• Hands-on, a self-starter with the ability to multi-task, be detailed oriented and possess superior organization and communication skills.
• Must be able to handle a large volume of detailed work accurately.
• Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Must have superior leadership, communication and organizational skills.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, lift, and handle all supplies.
• Must have a strong ability to interact with co-workers, vendors, and management on a regular basis and in a pleasant and efficient manner.
• Ability to perform simple mathematical functions.
• Ability to perform data entry procedures and both equipment and supply tracking.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS: Requires sitting and standing associated with a normal office environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS: Normal busy office environment with much telephone work. Occasional evening or weekend work.

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.