Registered Nurse/Preop-PACU - Savannah, GA

OPTIM SURGERY CENTER is seeking a full time Registered Nurse, Preop-PACU for the Savannah, GA location.

Job Supervisory Responsibilities: May participate in supervision of medical assistants, medical administrative assistants, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants 

General Summary: An exempt position responsible for providing primary care to patients, including assessment, treatment, care planning, and medical care evaluation. 

Essential Job Responsibilities:

1. Performs physical assessments on patients scheduled for surgery in a timely manner by utilizing all available resources (patient, significant other, medical record, other health professionals, etc.)
2. Documents assessment on the pre-op assessment form
3. Reports any medical problems to anesthesia, and or preop/PACU manager
4. Monitors results of ancillary tests ordered and reports results out of the norm to anesthesia/surgeon
5. Make sure patients are NPO
6. IV started prior to surgery, antibiotics are hung as ordered
7. Assist anesthesia with blocks
8. Ensures the site/side is marked by the physician prior to moving to the OR suite
9. Administer preop medications and monitor for adverse reactions
10. Charts are prepared for the next day
11. Maintains patient confidentiality, patient dignity, patient rights, and serves as a patient advocate at all times.
12. Provides education for the patient and family regarding procedure, medication, et.
13. Performs physical assessments on patients following surgery immediately upon arrival to PACU
14. Documents assessment on the PACU form
15. Reports any medical problems to anesthesia, surgeon, and or preop/PACU manager
16. Monitors vital signs until fully recovered
17. Medications given as needed per orders to control pain, nausea, vomiting, etc.
18. Patient monitored closely for reaction and complications and steps taken quickly to prevent complications
19. Assessments made of reactions and recovery from blocks
20. Assessments made of surgical site for swelling, redness, drainage, bleeding, or any other problems
21. Surgical post-operative calls made
22. Performs surgical chart audits
23. Maintains patient confidentiality, patient dignity, patient rights, and serves as a patient advocate at all times.
24. Provides education for the patient and family regarding procedure, medication, et.
25. Performs all other duties assigned by the preop/PACU Manager.

Education: RN. Completion of nursing training from an accredited school of nursing. BSN preferred.  

Experience: Minimum one year of professional nursing experience. Clinic experience preferred. 

Other Requirements: Current state registered nurse license. Current CPR certificate. 

Performance Requirements: 

Knowledge:

1. Knowledge of nursing processes; health care systems, structure, and functions; and community resources. Understanding of health care technology, equipment, and supplies. Familiarity with state law on nursing care, nurse practice guidelines, and clinic policies and procedures.
2. Knowledge of wellness/illness, growth and development, human behavior, psychosocial factors, and alternative health care treatments.
3. Knowledge of chart/medical record documentation requirements and federal/state laws related to release of health care information. 

Skills:

1. Skill in time management, problem solving, multitasking, prioritizing, and medical care coordination.
2. Skill in initiating appropriate crisis interventions and emergency response.
3. Skill in patient triage in person and on the phone. 

Abilities:

1. Ability to analyze options and then counsel patients and families about choices and make referrals to other providers and resources.
2. Ability to engage clients and families in the development and implementation of a care plan.
3. Ability to read and interpret physicians’ orders and notes from other providers.
4. Ability to calculate and administer drug dosages and injections and measure results. 

Equipment Operated: Standard nursing equipment and supplies including thermometer and syringes. May involve use of assistive devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, ventilators, pulse oximetry units, and oxygen tanks. May require use of computer. 

Work Environment: Medical exam/treatment rooms and medical offices. Controlled lighting, acoustics, air quality, and temperature settings. Environmental hazards may be unpredictable including exposure to communicable diseases and biohazards. 

Mental/Physical Requirements: Involves standing, walking, bending, grasping, manipulating, and squatting. Occasional need to lift patient during transfer/turn process with or without assistance. Stress can be triggered by workload and complex cases.