What are the responsibilities and job description for the (PRN) Registered Nurse, Pre-Op position at Townsen Memorial Hospital?
SUMMARY:
The Registered Nurse, Pre-Op is responsible for admitting the patient to the clinical area and providing nursing care to the pre-operative and post-operative patient, as well as, developing a nursing care plan specifically designed for the individual patient.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Ensures the pre-operative, post-operative, observation/inpatient area has a clean and therapeutic environment for all patients at all times. Give instructions to patients as instructed by physician or physician assistant
- Ensures supplies and equipment needed are available and in good working order
- Admits the patient to the unit and prepares him/her for the scheduled procedure
- Makes initial assessment and determines the nursing needs of the patient, communicates additional discharge needs when applicable (transportation, durable medical equipment)
- Explains nursing procedures and actions taken to help reduce anxiety
- Identifies patient’s physical and mental status
- Monitors the patient’s medical condition and reports any significant changes to the admitting physician or anesthesiologist
- Assures surgical consent, pre-operative test results and History and Physical are in the medical record prior to proposed procedure
- Pre-op and post-op calls to patients
- Reports any important health history facts to the operating room nurse/medical director
- Gives patients and family members emotional support as necessary
- Documents patient care delivered, accurately in the medical record
- Implements doctor’s orders in a timely and accurate manner
- Educates patients and family
- Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with patients, families, visitors, and other Center employees
- Documents concisely, precisely, and accurately on all records or documents as indicated by policy
- Understands and maintains clinical competencies (general, age specific and drug administration)
- Demonstrates clinical problem solving and critical thinking
- Makes decisions using evidence based analytical approach
- Plans for routine events and anticipates/prevents and manages/evaluates emergent situations
- Completes patient care responsibilities in a timely manner with accurate documentation
- Uses downtime efficiently, aware of team members workload and constantly helps and responds positively to requests for assistance from other team members
- Adapts to unexpected changes
- Effectively acclimate to various work schedules to achieve high quality of care
- Protects patient and family privacy rights and maintains confidentiality of patient records in accordance with policy and procedure and HIPAA requirements
- Follows all safety rules on the job. Reports all accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace
- Maintains established Center/Departmental policies and procedures
- Adheres to the company standards of business conduct
- Performs other related duties as assigned to support the hospital
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word & Vision (EMR)
- Strong attention to detail: being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks
- Has self-control to maintain composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in difficult situations
- Ability to adequately diagnose, plan and implement nursing interventions and evaluate patient condition
- Compliance with facility policies and procedures
- Compliance with continuing and mandatory education programs
- Practices nursing within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act of Texas and accepts responsibility and accountability for own actions
- Possesses appropriate communication skills to practice collaborative nursing
- Excellent, professionally polished patient interaction skills
- Exceptional customer service and phone etiquette
- Ability to respond quickly, physically and mentally when priorities and /or the patient’s condition changes
- High stress tolerance: accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations
- Ability to adapt with flexibility: being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace
- Ability to work independently by guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending one oneself to get things done
- Ability to maintain effective and organized systems and records to ensure timely patient flow
- Ability to clean, maintain, and make minor adjustments to equipment
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Associates Degree in Nursing
- Registered Nurse in the State of Texas
- One (1) year of experience in a peri-operative environment
- Basic Life Support certified
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified or must be obtained within sixty (60) days of hire
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified or must be obtained within sixty (60) days of hire