REGISTERED NURSE (RN) - OP/PACU (Internal - secondary only) INTERNAL

DEPARTMENT: Surgical Services

REPORTS TO: Director of Surgical Services

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. The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.

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

Knowledge of perioperative/post-anesthesia care nursing principles; knowledge of aseptic techniques and infection control principles. Able to perform effectively in highly stressful situations. Must be able to interact effectively with a wide variety of people. Excellent communication skills.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS

BLS, ACLS, and PALS required. TNCC certification required within 6 months of hire, or as class availability allows.

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.
• 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.
• Perform treatments and procedures as directed, which are within the individual's training and capabilities.

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.