Job Summary: 
 
Provides direct patient care to pediatric through geriatric patient populations. Addresses the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care related to the surgical environment. Assists with the maintenance of PACU equipment and inventory. Participates in performance improvement activities. Responsible for monitoring patient’s physiological status in the immediate postoperative environment. Communicates with surgeon and anesthesiologist continuously, and as needed, about patient conditions; receives direction for patient management. Intercedes to maintain optimum homeostasis. 
 
General Requirements: 
 
Employee will adhere to dress code, appearance is always neat and clean 
Employee will complete successfully all annual education requirements 
Employee will maintain all professional/regulatory requirements 
Employee will maintain patient confidentiality at all times 
Employee will report to work on time and as scheduled, and will complete work within the designated time 
Employee will wear identification while on duty 
Employee will use computerized punch time system correctly 
Employee completes all in-services and returns them in a timely fashion 
Employee will attend annual review and department in-services, as scheduled 
Employee will make best efforts to attend all staff meetings 
Employee will represent Novi Surgery Center in a positive and professional manner 
Employee will participate in Performance Improvement and Quality Improvement activities 
Employee will comply with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices 
Employee will communicate the mission, ethics and goals of Novi Surgery Center 
 
Essential Duties & Responsibilities: 
Competency to assess the physiological health status of the patient 
Verify the operative procedure prior to procedure using consent forms, patient statements, and surgeon verification 
Note the condition of the skin for rashes, bruises, lesions, and previous incisions 
Determine mobility of the body using patient statements, range of motion, and the history and physical 
Report deviation of diagnostic studies such as lab or radiology reports 
Check pre-operative vital signs upon admission to surgery: blood pressure, pulse, respirations, pulse oximetry, pain, and temperature 
Identify presence of prosthesis such as dentures, pacemaker, and joint prosthesis/implants 
Note nutritional status, such as patient has been NPO 
Verify allergies to medication, food, or chemicals 
Communicate and document physiological data to other members of the surgical and health care team in verbal or written report, including data which might be relevant to discharge planning 
Formulate nursing diagnosis based on health data 
Competency to establish realistic and attainable goals based on nursing diagnosis and to develop a plan of care based on nursing actions to achieve patient goals 
Competency to participate in patient and family teaching 
Participate in pre-operative teaching as needed, such as explanation of surgical routine and environment 
Communicate and document patient/family teaching 
Competency to physiologically monitor the patient during the peri-operative phase 
Assist/monitor physical symptoms, behavioral changes, intake and output, and vital signs 
Initiate nursing actions or obtain physician order as appropriate, based on interpretation of physiological data/changes 
Communicate and document patient’s physiological response to other members of the surgical and health care team in verbal or written report, including which might be relevant to discharge planning 
Competency to monitor and control the environment 
Control the environment to provide ideal patient care, such as temperature of the room, sensory stimuli, traffic, and noise level 
Adhere to all safety policies and procedures 
Maintain appropriate traffic pattern in the perioperative environment 
Adhere to sanitation policies for infection control including confining and containing waste for appropriate disposal 
Competency to respect patient’s rights 
Demonstrate awareness and practice according to the Patient’s Bill of Rights and Novi Surgery Center policy 
Provide for patient safety and maintain patient confidentiality 
Communicate and document provision for patient rights as appropriate 
Competency to perform nursing actions that demonstrate accountability 
Exercise safe judgment in decision-making 
Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to changes in nursing practice 
Respond in a positive manner to constructive criticism or recommendations for improvement 
Demonstrate tact, understanding, and good guest relations when dealing with patients, visitors, team members, physicians, physician’s offices, and vendors 
Practice within ethical and legal guidelines 
Seek opportunities to continue learning 
Communicate and document nursing actions 
Competency to evaluate patients 
Develop outcome criteria and measure degree of achievement 
Communicate and document degree of goal achievement to other members of the surgical and health care team in verbal and written report, including that which may be relevant to discharge planning 
Competency to evaluate effectiveness of nursing care 
Continuously evaluate the patient’s needs, plan of care, and nursing actions, adjusting the plan as required to provide optimum patient outcomes 
Assess the patient post-operatively and determine the effectiveness of care to desired patient goals 
Communicate and document effectiveness of care and results of nursing care to other members of the surgical and health care team in verbal or written report, including that which might be relevant to discharge planning 
Participate in the Quality Improvement Program activities including identification of aspects of care, collection and analysis of data, formulation of recommendations, implementation of an improvement plan, and evaluation of the process 
In keeping with the teamwork philosophy, act as a resource person for other staff 
Adhere to OSHA guidelines for Universal Precautions for exposure to blood and body fluids, using appropriate personal protective equipment and sharps handling 
Demonstrate flexibility in meeting the needs of Novi Surgery Center, including cross-training for all nursing functions and being flexible with shift times 
Follow AORN/ASPAN/APIC recommended practices and Novi Surgery Center policy at all times 
Perform effectively in emergency situations 
 
Professional/Regulatory Requirements: 
 
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing 
Current Registered Nurse licensure in the State of Michigan 
Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certification (or within six months of hire) as required by supervisor 
Basic skills related to aseptic/sterile technique 
Minimum of two years of work experience in a PACU 
 
Language Skills: 
 Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. 
 
Other Skills: 
 Basic computer knowledge 
 
Physical Requirements: 
 
Ability to repeat frequent tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, handling, reaching, and twisting. 
Requires mobility including walking, standing, bending, and sitting. 
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.