Overview

Facilitates the pre-operative admission process and patient flow for surgical patients as required.

Qualifications

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Minimum of two years RN nursing experience, preferably in pre- and post- anesthesia/surgery care.
• Will complete additional training or demonstrate competency in skills identified in the unit-specific competency plan and skills list. Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing. Is expected to be an example of good health habits.

Education and/or Other Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of professional nursing. Current registration required with the State of Illinois for practice as a professional nurse.

Responsibilities

• Provides patient care:

• Assists in patient admission process for surgical patients.
• Facilitates protocol for identified cardiac clearance, lab orders and x-ray baseline, relay of information on locations where testing will be done.
• Provides preoperative and postoperative patient education. Reviews the results of testing as they are available and reports any abnormalities to the attending physician and anesthesiologist.
• Proactive approach in reviewing OR schedule daily to facilitate patient flow. Alerts the anesthesia provider (MD and CRNA) of potential problems (latex allergy, serious medical conditions, etc.
• Functions as a “liaison” to Surgeon and Anesthesia MD/CRNA. Supervises and directs ancillary personnel that may be involved in the care of the pre-procedure patient.
• Acts as a resource to staff to assist in resolution of preoperative issues.

• Staff Development:

• In collaboration with anesthesia personnel assists in achieving annual requirements for unit-specific competencies.
• Provides leadership in development of staff through in-service education.

• Demonstrates quality improvement and patient safety practices:

• Identifies problem areas related to quality, implements and follows through.
• Actively supports and promotes a quality culture.
• Adheres to infection control practices.

• Utilizes the nursing process to achieve optimal patient outcomes:
• Assesses physical, psychological and educational needs of patients according to guidelines and age-specific populations.
• Establishes priorities and derives appropriate nursing diagnosis based on assessment data.
• Communicates expected outcomes individualized to the patient.
• Develops a plan of care that prescribes interventions to attain expected outcomes.
• Implements the interventions identified in the plan of care collaborating with healthcare team members, patients, and significant others as appropriate.
• Evaluates the patient’s progress toward and understanding of prescribed treatment and outcomes.

• Assumes responsibility for own professional development by:
• Self-Evaluation according to Nursing Practice Standards and Regulatory guidelines.
• Contributing to the professional development of peers.
• Utilizing research findings in practice.
• Acquiring and maintaining current knowledge and competency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.