REGISTERED NURSE (RN) - OP/PACU (FT)

DEPARTMENT: Surgical Services
REPORTS TO: Surgical Services Director

JOB SUMMARY
The Outpatient Services/PACU Nurse is responsible for the safe preparation, education, and discharge of the patient scheduled for a procedure. Responsibility includes assessment, diagnosis, treatment and evaluation of the patient in outpatient services, pre-op, post-op, PACU, and procedural sedation.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Current Wyoming licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse. National perioperative certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE
Prefer at least 2 years of experience in an acute care or surgical services area.

SKILLS

• Must possess a high degree of confidentiality of all matters with the ability to manage sensitive and confidential situations with tact, professionalism, and diplomacy.
• Knowledge of perioperative/post-anesthesia care nursing principles.
• Knowledge of aseptic technique and infection control principles.
• Able to perform effectively in highly stressful situations.
• Must be well motivated, organized and able to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Must be able to interact effectively with a wide variety of people.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Effective computer and keyboarding skills.
• Must have ability to learn and use Microsoft Office Suite products including Outlook.
• Ability to learn new computer software applications.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS
BLS, ACLS, and PALS required (AHA). TNCC certification required within 6 months of hire or as class availability allows (only for RNs that would respond to trauma I or take PACU call).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide direct patient care, evaluate outcomes and adjust the nursing care process as indicated to ensure optimal patient care.
• Able to perform a focused assessment and reassessment. This includes pediatric, adolescent, geriatric and the general patient population.
• Able to monitor the hemodynamic status of the patient and correctly interpret results.
• Knowledge of cardiac monitoring, able to identify arrhythmias, and intervene using ACLS and PALS algorithms and physician orders.
• Prepare patient for examination or procedure and assist the physician as needed.
• Maintain accurate and continued nursing documentation including patient history, condition, vital signs, treatment, response to intervention, and change of status.
• Treat patient and their family with respect and dignity. Function as a liaison for the patient between the physician and other health care providers.
• Practice within Nursing Standards of Practice and follow standards of patient care & CRH Policies and Procedures. Adhere to MD orders
• Teach the patient based on identified learning needs; evaluate the effectiveness of the patients learning. Include the family in the teaching as appropriate. Review discharge instructions with the patient or responsible party.
• Maintain current knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on age and patient clinical condition. Calculate, prepare, hang, monitor and discontinue IV fluids and medication drips.
• Follow procedure for medication administration and narcotics control. Utilize EMAR, scans and use 2 sources of patient ID before all medications and procedures.
• Perform treatments and procedures as directed, which are within the individual's training and capabilities.
• Communicate questions about appropriateness of medical or nursing care through chain of command, as needed, utilizing the SBAR form of communication.
• Complete incident and error forms when appropriate.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS

• Ensure all rooms and work areas are kept clean, stocked, and ready for use.
• Verify supplies are stocked and put away in the appropriate location.
• Complete daily department tasks, monthly outdates, and survey compliance checks as scheduled.
• Communicate questions and concerns through chain of command as appropriate.
• Assist with the orientation of new employees to the department.
• Supervise and provide nursing students the opportunities to observe and learn.
• Attend mandatory in-service, yearly education day and department meetings. Enhance professional growth by attending educational offerings pertaining to Perioperative Nursing.
• Work with other departments in coordinating smooth transfer of patients.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.