JOB SUMMARY

To act as patient advocate, providing continuity of care designed to meet individual patient needs through collaboration with other members of the health care team at the Center. Supports the philosophy, objectives and goals of the Center. The Pre-op nurse will ensure quality care to the individual patients pre-operatively including, but not limited to geriatric, adult, pediatric and adolescent patients.

Reports to: Peri-Anethesia Manager

QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensure as Registered Nurse in the State of Texas.
• Current BLS, PALS and ACLS certification
• Ability to stand and/or walk at least five hours per day
• Ability to lift and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis
• Ability to push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis
• Cooperative work attitude toward and with co-employees, management, patients, visitors and physicians.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE

Category I exposure to bloodborne pathogens, frequent exposure to chemical hazards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Duties of Pre-Op/PACU/PAT RN opening Pre-Op/PACU/PAT area for the day include:
  • Count narcotics with another nurse and replenish supply as necessary.
  • Readies the area to receive patients.
  • Opening fire doors and unlocking back door.
  • Provide Rx pads for Surgeon’s scheduled for the day.
  • Check crash cart and 02 tank.
  • Restock refrigerator with fluid supply
  • Log temperature for blanket warmer and refrigeration.
• Assesses physical and emotional needs of patients and implements appropriate Nursing interventions. Include confirmation of the following information:
  • Allergies
  • Medications taken at home
  • Dentures, contacts or glasses
  • Pertinent medical conditions
  • Pertinent past medical history
  • Confirmation of consent and operative side
  • Confirmation of responsible party
• Assesses or performs the following:
  • Puts all patients on the monitor, including blood pressure
  • Temperature
  • Weight and height
  • Accucheck for blood sugar, if applicable
  • Pregnancy test, if applicable
  • Start IV on all patients, except those who have an order not to start an IV.
  • Utilize anesthesia protocol regarding IV fluids and catheter size.
• Assesses or performs the following:
  • Airway maintenance
  • Stabilization of Vital signs.
  • Safe emergence from anesthesia
  • Control of pain and nausea by administration of drugs
  • Orientation to surroundings
  • Administration of special equipment (i.e., ice bags, post-op shoes, slings)
  • Offer nourishments
• Follows proper procedures regarding exposure to Category I tasks.
• Follows proper procedures for handling hazardous waste materials.
• Documents vital signs, nurse's notes and drugs administered on the PACU record.
• Notes and follows physicians' orders. (Both surgeons and anesthesiologists).
• Reviews discharge instructions and educates patient and/or responsible adult with appropriate information to alleviate fears and maintain optimal post‑op care in the home environment.
• Obtains discharge order from anesthesiologist or surgeon (if local anesthesia) prior to discharge.
• Makes Post Op calls of previous days' patients to check patient's condition. Records complications and document all transfers to hospital in the PACI Log and files QA Variance Report with Supervisor.
• Observation and discharge of endoscopy and liver biopsy patients.
• Assists with nerve blocks performed by anesthesiologist in the PACU area.
• Cleans stretchers and cribs after each patient and restocks supplies.
• Respects patients right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality
• Assists the patient to undress, if patient needs assistance, and gives locker key to
• Performs pre-operative instruction and explanation according to facility policy
  • Provides preoperative instruction and explanation of patient rights and
  • Describes the perioperative experience to the patient and the participation of the significant other, including what to expect before, during and after the procedure
  • Contacts all patients the day prior to surgery. Reviews health history and procedure to be performed. Provides all required preoperative instructions applicable to the procedure being performed. Gives patient time to arrive at the Center and start time of procedure.
  • Completes the nursing pre-assessment record.
  • Notifies anesthesia of next day’s OR schedule. Reviews with the anesthesiologist health histories of any scheduled admissions that do not meet the Center’s admission criteria. 
  • Reviews or takes physician verbal preoperative orders prior to the day of admission. Monitors that orders or preoperative testing requests from either the admitting physician or the anesthesiologist have been received prior to the day of admission
  • Is knowledgeable about and responsive to emergency situations, i.e. cardiac arrest, malignant hyperthermia, drug reaction, fire, disaster etc.
  • Reports and completes appropriate forms for incidents related to patients, visitors, and employees.
  • Attends and participates in staff meetings and staff development programs, including mandatory ones.
  • Participates in CQI process and activities.
  • Assists with all other duties as the need arises or as assigned.
  • Ensures that patients are seen by the anesthesiologist prior to being taken to the OR.
  • Sets priorities to facilitate the timely and efficient flow of patients throughout the day.
  • Prepares and restocks the Pre-Operative area for the following day.
• Just prior to leaving, does the following:
  • Deposit keys in locked box.
  • Turns off all appliances.
  • Secures medical charts; prescription pads, and log book.
  • Closes supply closet door.
  • Logs off computer and turns power off.
  • Turns off all lights.
  • Closes double doors