RN PACU/OPS

Provides age and population specific direct clinical care to neonate, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patient populations. Delivers patient care according to the Scope of Service for PACU/OPS. Adheres to and practices the St. John's Health Corporate Compliance Program and participates in performance improvement activities. Provides age and developmentally appropriate specialized nursing care to neonate through geriatric patients in the immediate post anesthesia period. Participates in the After Hour/Weekend call schedule as directed by the OR Director.

 

· Obtains and reviews all patient data using; observational, interviewing, interpretation and critical thinking skills in an age specific population and developmentally appropriate manner.

· Identifies risk factors and provides for patient safety.

· Identifies changes in patient status, exercises critical thinking and independent judgment within the context of a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.

· Develops a plan of care that is unique to each patient's needs, evaluates patient response to plan of care and reflects measurable goals that are mutually set with the patient.

· Organizes and prioritizes care of multiple patients with varying levels of acuity in a timely and efficient manner with a positive attitude.

· Practices autonomously and consistently with professional nursing standards.

-Manages specimen collection, handling and disposition according to hospital policy. Labels blood specimens at the patient bedside.

· Addresses patient and family spiritual and emotional needs utilizing a holistic approach.

· Uses supplies and equipment within safe parameters and ensures equipment is functioning properly before use.

-reports equipment malfunction following the appropriate reporting procedure. · Initiates and completes computerized Event Reports for unusual events consistently and reports near misses.

-Implements measures to prevent injury from environmental hazards.

 

· Assesses patient and family education needs based on; a) age population, b) developmental level, c) readiness to learn based on patient perception, educational level and expectation of care, d) patient understanding, e) available coping mechanisms, and f) outcome expectations.

· Initiates and incorporates patient/family education into the plan of care and nursing practice.

· Identifies continuity of care needs for discharge and follow-up using appropriate resources.

· Communicates up-dated status report and clear information to patient/family to make informed decisions.

 

· Reviews PACU/OPS schedule and anticipates patient care needs as well as needs of Surgical Services Department.

· Performs daily/weekly/monthly equipment and medication checks. Resolves medication discrepancies, identifies equipment malfunctions and corrects through appropriate means and documents the process.

· Obtains patient report from OR RN and CRNA, reviews patient's records to form accurate assessment of patient's history, diagnosis, procedure and post op status. Provides accurate patient report when transferring patient.

· Facilitates patient transition from anesthesia emergence to post-operative care. Documents appropriately in the EMR, MAR, Order Management, etc.

· Facilitates professional communications with/between anesthesia, surgeons, staff and families in regards to changes in patient status, additional needs and clarification.

· Practices in a professional manner when representing the surgical call team and responds in a timely manner per policy.

· Takes initiative to review communication book and meeting minutes when absent, signs of on updates and incorporates changes into practice. Attends and participates in staff meetings.

· Functions as weekend call staffer -completes follow-up calls -Assists with add-ons, cancellations, patient questions.

· Able to care for multiple patient in all phases of Peri-operative care.

· Works in an efficient manner moving from task to task to ensure patients move through PACU/OPS in a timely manner. Completes all required daily duties.

 

Direct Reports: None

Reports to: Clinical Manager RN Surgical Services

Leadership Capabilities

1. Patient Focus
   • Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of patients
   • Gets firsthand patient feedback and uses it for improvements
   • Establishes and maintains effective relationships with patients and gains their trust and respect
2. Attention to Detail
   • Completes tasks in a way that ensures there are not errors
   • Methodically and patiently reviews work to identify any mistakes or discrepancies
   • Creates and stores documentation in a way that is thorough and easy to access
3. Quality Decision Making
   • Considers many factors and sources when making decisions
   • Is correct and accurate with most of his/her solutions and suggestions when judged over time
   • Is sought out by others for advice and solutions
   • Spends his/her time and the time of others on what's important
   • Quickly zeros in on the critical and few and puts the trivial many aside
   • Handles risks and uncertainty with composure
4. Interpersonal Skills (Nursing)
   • Steps up to conflicts, seeing them as opportunities
   • Builds appropriate rapport
   • Finds common ground and gains cooperation
   • Taking responsibility for the consequences of one's own actions and decisions