PreOp Nurse

Description

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.Assesses the physical, biopsychosocial and health education needs of adolescents (16 years of age and older), adult and geriatric patients presenting for perioperative care.2.Gathers pertinent patient care data using all available resources.3.Adheres to principles and procedures of infection control required in the peri-operative setting.4.Performs responsibilities of a pre-operative nurse, a circulating nurse and/or a post-anesthesia nurse as assigned.5.Implements protective measures to prevent injury in all areas of the peri-operative setting.6.Implements measures to prevent injury related to inappropriate positioning.7.Correctly operates equipment included in the peri-operative nurse equipment checklist.8.Performs nursing procedures included in the peri-operative nurse initial competency inventory.9.Provides peri-operative patient and family education for adolescent 16 years of age or older, adult and geriatric patients and their families.10.Provides appropriate and safe interventions in emergency situations experienced by patients presenting for peri-operative care.11.Provides for the unique age-specific communication needs of all peri-operative patient age groups.12.Communicates with members of the health care team and other appropriate parties as necessary in the delivery of care. Facilitates patient care with team members.13.Documents nursing care (both manual and/or electronic) to maintain an accurate and legal medical record.14.May participate on department and hospital committees; and proved in-service training to hospital staff.15.Prepares reports and maintains accurate records and logs.16.Attends meetings as required.17.Assess patients prior to surgery18.Ensure that operative and informed consents are signed and in order19.Take and record vital statistics of patients to ensure readiness for surgical procedure20.Initiate IVs and ensure that patients are informed about the procedure21.Assess patients’ post-operative condition22.Monitor vital signs23.Log all findings in patient files24.Answer patient questions and ensure they are kept comfortable25.Monitor patients for condition changes and report any changes to the physician26.• Perform intervention duties in cases of post-operative emergencies

COMMUNICATION/ LEADERSHIP:

1.Participates in organization Performance Improvement activities, department activities, andQAPI activities designed to maintain quality and safe care for patients served by the facility.2.Effectively communicates within the organization and with the community to provide qualityservices.3.Supports, assists and adheres to implementation of the organization mission and philosophy.4.Serves as a professional resource when needed, including assisting in co-worker training andorientation.5.Observes organization policies and procedures.6.Promotes a positive public image when representing the facility.7.Accountable to OR or Pre/Op PACU Team Leader.

SAFETY/ INFECTION CONTROL:

1.Demonstrates knowledge of, and adheres to regulations and hospital policies and procedurespertaining to safety, emergency preparedness, infection control, OSHA, fire safety andhazardous materials.2.Is familiar with and adheres to CDC guidelines.3.Complies with the National Patient Safety Goals as appropriate.

POLICY:

1.Personal appearance and self-presentation is clean, neat and moderate.

2.Always wears current identification.

3.Demonstrates flexibility when changes in assignments are necessary.

4.Set priorities and assures the completion of all assigned duties within the shift.

5.Compliance with all attendance standards.

6.Remains flexible in staffing patterns and resolution of staffing conflicts; participates intemporary assignments.

7.Follows HIPAA Guidelines at all times.

8.Attends all hospital required meetings and in-service education.

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND EDUCATION:

1.Participates in educational experiences designed to maintain competence.

2.Annually completes all required in-service and training (e.g. CPR, Infection Control, Safety, etc.,as appropriate to the job) as well as all educational requirements.

3.Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professionalaffiliation to keep abreast of the latest trends in the field of expertise.

4.Seeks feedback to enhance own performance.

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1.One (1) to three (3) years previous experience in operative setting preferred.2.Affiliation with local, state or national nursing organization preferred.3.Certification in perioperative Services preferred.4.CPR certification upon hire.5.ACLS certification within three (3) months of hire; PALS certification within three (3) months of hire if performing pediatric cases.6.Candidate must possess general clinical competency in acute patient care.7.Candidate must demonstrate ability to gather pertinent medical history and provide conciseinstruction for pre-operative and post-operative care.8.Previous ambulatory surgery experience is preferred.9.Current State Registered Nurse license; BLS, ACLS & PALS

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Working environment is generally favorable; however, there is exposure to risk in the form of disease and potential for exposure to electrical and explosion hazards common in a surgical and/or Pre-Op and PACU environment. High potential for exposure to blood and body fluids; Personal protective equipment is required.