OVERVIEW: 

Provides planned, skilled nursing care for patients in the critical preoperative and postoperative periods. Provides continuous patient surveillance for early recognition and immediate emergency treatment of medical or surgical complications that may arise in any preoperative or postoperative patient.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Supports the philosophy, goals and objectives of the Organization.
  • Supports, and performs according to, approved policies and procedures.
  • Participates as a team member in support of the total perioperative process.
  • Considers patient rights in performance of job duties and responsibilities.
• Contributes to the progress and development of the approved Quality Improvement Program.
  • Supports risk management and participates in programs directed to patient and staff safety.
  • Contributes to the quality management process; identifies role and contributes upon request; participates in data collection activities to support the Quality Improvement Program.
  • Objectively evaluates suggestions, grievances and processes to identify opportunities to improve performance and quality of care.
• Communicates effectively with supervisor/management, patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.
  • Interactions are respectful and courteous.
  • Communicates effectively and professionally using a translator when necessary.
  • Documents that information received from the patient are disseminated to the appropriate people or departments.
• Maintains and promotes professional competence through continuing education and other learning experiences.
  • Participates in committees, conferences and quality improvement activities.
  • Submits pertinent articles for review at staff meetings.
  • Seeks new learning experiences by accepting challenging opportunities and responsibilities.
  • Objectively evaluates suggestions or criticisms and attempts to improve performance or seeks further guidance, as needed.
  • Attends and actively participates in meetings, committees and in-services according to job responsibilities and Facility requirements.
  • Assists with orientation and training of new personnel and acts as a resource person for patient care problems.
• Adheres to safety policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilities.
  • Reports observed or suspected violations, hazards and noncompliance according to Facility policy.
  • Observes safety measures in performance of job duties and responsibilities; enforces compliance with safety and security policies and procedures.
  • Responds to emergency situations with competence and composure.
• Interacts appropriately with various age groups.
  • Accurately assesses and interprets age-specific patient data.
  • Accurately interprets age-specific patient responses to questions and instructions.
  • Involves the patient's family/significant other in decision-making about the patient's care.
  • Provides care appropriate to the patient's age group.
  • Accurately applies knowledge of growth and development.
  • Considers age-specific patient requirements when responding to emergency situations.
• Performs thorough preoperative patient assessment required by the outpatient setting.
  • Assists in assessing the physical and emotional status of the patient prior to admission according to Facility policy.
  • Develops a plan for patient care based on assessment data; implements and documents preoperative care according to Facility policy.
  • Informs patient and family about routine care and procedures related to the perioperative experience.
  • Provides comfort and reassurance to the patient and supports the patient's right to privacy, dignity, and confidentiality.
  • If indicated by patient status (e.g., minor, incompetent adult), a parent or legal guardian will be included in the preadmission process to sign papers, provide reassurance, answer questions, and receive instructions. Patients with a language barrier may request the presence of a translator.
  • All information from the Pre-Operative work-up will be on the patient's medical record before admission.
  • Before beginning treatment, the attending Medical Staff member, the anesthesiologist, and the responsible nurse will review the patient's medical record, the patient identification, allergy information, and the scheduled surgery for consistency of information.
  • Complete Pre-Operative test results. Confirm that Anesthesia staff and the admitting physician are aware of any abnormal results.

COMPETENCIES - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, and TRAINING:

Associate of Science, Nursing (A.S.N.) or equivalent from two year college and technical school; six months to one year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in postoperative or critical care area preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Nursing License (MA)
• BLS
• ACLS
• PALS (preop/postop RN), if applicable

COMPUTER SKILLS:

Excellent computer skills in a Microsoft Windows environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Patient care activities may require the ability to regularly lift and /or move up to 30 pounds, occasionally lift and /or move up to 40 pounds, and rarely lift and /or move up to 100 pounds.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; occasionally use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear.

WORK ENVIRONMENT - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• This position works in an environment with moderate noise level. (Examples: business office with computers and printers, light traffic.)
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to bloodborne pathogens.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to risk of radiation.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to chemical hazards.