FT-Registered Nurse PreOp-PACU

The PreOp-PACU Registered Nurse is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and coordinating patient care from admission to discharge.  The PreOp-PACU Registered Nurse is responsible for the achievement of patient outcomes through implementation of critical pathways and in accordance with the mission, vision, and values of the facility. The PreOp-PACU RN prepares the patient for surgery and cares for the patient post-operatively with on-going nursing assessment including vital signs, point of care testing, reviewing medical history, and frequently re-assessing the patient to ensure optimal outcomes.  The PreOp-PACU RN is responsible for pain management, medication administration and discharge instructions. The PreOp-PACU RN is part of the peri-operative clinical nursing team.

Primary Responsibilities:

·       Prepare patient for surgery.

·       Assess patient status throughout the perioperative episode of care.

·       Develop and implement an individualized perioperative patient plan of care by:

o   Managing patient recovery from anesthesia – Moderate sedation and Monitored anesthesia care.

o   Assessing patient status at intervals in accordance with facility policies and procedures.

o   Providing nursing care and appropriate monitoring in accordance with policies and procedures.

o   Performing interventions to maintain the patient’s tissue perfusion at or above baseline levels.

o   Performing interventions to maintain the status of the patient’s genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems and fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances at or above baseline levels.

o   Performing interventions to ensure the patient is at or returned to normothermia at the conclusion of the immediate postoperative period.

o   Performing interventions to protect the patient from infection.

o   Assessing the knowledge level of the patient or designated support person.

o   Providing education regarding the expected psychosocial response, nutritional management, medication management, pain management, and expected responses to the procedure.

o   Involving the patient or designated support person actively in decisions affecting his or her perioperative plan of care and the rehabilitation process

o   Protecting the patient’s rights, dignity, and privacy.

o   Providing age-specific, culturally competent, ethical care within legal standards of practice.

·       Evaluate the patient’s progress toward attaining outcomes.

·       Transfer care as applicable.

·       Provide hand-off report to other teammates that are accurate, concise and pertinent to the patient’s condition and response to care.

·       Delegate tasks according to the state Nurse Practice Act (if applicable), state board of nursing or professional registration requirements, state laws, and job descriptions.

·       Document episode of care accurately, timely, completely, and legibly.

·       Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills with members of the team and other stakeholders.

·       Serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team in planning patient care.

·       Participate in quality review and performance improvement projects.

·       Use problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships.

·       Maintain required competencies.

·       Pursue professional growth

·       Act as a patient advocate and maintain privacy and confidentiality of individuals and health information

·       Comply with all KU MedWest Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC facility policies and procedures, regulatory and accreditation standards and professional guidelines when providing patient care.

·       Actively participate in team meetings, trainings, and daily safety huddles.

·       Demonstrate fiscal responsibility.

·       Perform all other duties as assigned.