RN

Principal Functions:

Functions under general supervision and direction of the Manager of Pre-op/PACU and the Director of Surgical Services to provide planned, skilled nursing care for patients in the critical pre- and post-operative period in accordance with established policy and philosophy.  Provides assessment, patient surveillance, and timely administration of physician’s orders to prepare patients for procedures.  Provides planned, skilled nursing care for patients in the critical postoperative periods.  Provides additional patient surveillance to determine that patient is suitable for discharge. Provides patient and family members with an additional opportunity for education and review of the postoperative instructions.  Relates effectively with other shifts and staff for continuity of care.  Maintains satisfactory relations with other departments and nursing units.  Participates in all phases of education, maintenance of records, and upgrading of policies, procedures, and skills of personnel as directed and needed.

Position Duties:

1.      Contributes to the progress and development of the approved Quality Management Program.  Supports risk management and participates in programs directed to patient and staff safety.

2.      Contributes to the quality management process; identifies role and contributions to functional teams; participates in data collection.  Objectively evaluates suggestions, grievances, and processes to identify opportunities to improve performance and quality of care.

3.      Communicates effectively with patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.  Interactions are respectful and courteous.

4.      Communicates effectively and professionally using a translator when necessary.  Documents that information received from the patient are disseminated to the appropriate people or departments.

5.      Assists with orientation and training of new personnel and acts as a resource person for patient care problems.

6.      Adheres to safety policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilities.  Reports observed or suspected violations, hazards, and noncompliance according to Facility policy.  Responds to emergency situations with competence and composure.

7.      Interacts appropriately with various age groups.  Accurately assesses and interprets age-specific patient data.  Accurately interprets age-specific patient responses to questions and instructions.  Provides care appropriate to the patient's age group.

8.      Effectively organizes time, equipment, supplies, and personnel.  Organizes nursing activities efficiently; considers staff abilities when delegating activities.

9.      Uses equipment effectively by anticipating patient needs and providing appropriate care.

10.  Confirms that proper techniques and procedures are used according to accepted standards of practice.

11.  Begins site verification protocol using standards of practice as developed by the facility and appropriate nursing care.

12.  Assists with inventory of supplies, drugs, and equipment to maintain availability and stock levels in pre/postoperative areas.  Considers cost-effectiveness in the provision of care.  Maintains order and cleanliness of pre/postoperative areas.

13.  Performs thorough pre-operative patient assessment required by in the surgical setting for both inpatient and outpatient procedures as assigned and directed.

14.  Assists in assessing the physical and emotional status of the patient upon admission according to Facility policy.

15.  Develops a plan for patient care based on assessment data; implements and documents preoperative care according to Facility policy.  Informs patient and family about routine care and procedures related to the perioperative experience.

16.  Performs safe and individualized nursing care for the patient in the immediate postoperative period.

17.  Renders professional nursing care including administering medications and initiating and maintaining intravenous fluids and blood products according to hospital policy and procedures.  Understands the pharmacology and recognizes the side effects of medications administered.  Performs lab draws and reports findings to appropriate personnel.

18.  Responsible to perform Point of Care testing as assigned and trained, maintain competency for testing and quality control procedures.  Reports lab results and documents in the patient chart.  Collects blood samples for laboratory testing according to lab procedures.

19.  Assesses and documents the patient's physical and emotional status upon arrival in the post-operative area.

20.  Documents postoperative care and identity of second person in the postoperative area during the patient's recovery from anesthesia/sedation according to Facility policy.

21.  Provides nursing care to meet patient needs related to surgical condition and type of anesthesia administered.

22.  Maintains a professional approach with confidentiality.  Assures protection and privacy of health information as attained through written, electronic or oral disclosures.

23.  Displays concern and initiative. Resourceful and calm in emergencies.

24.  Performs according to all attendance policies and procedures.

25.  Cooperates and maintains good rapport with nursing staff, medical staff, other departments, and visitors.

26.  Seeks guidance and remains knowledgeable of, and complies with, all applicable federal and state laws, as well as hospital policies that apply to assigned duties.

27.  Complies with hospital expectations regarding ethical behavior and standards of conduct.

28.  Complies with federal and hospital requirements in the areas of protected health information and patient privacy.