SUMMARY AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Same Day Surgery Registered Nurses are responsible for the total nursing needs of the pre-operative, pre-procedural and post-operative patient. This diverse patient population includes patients of all ages and their families. The Registered Nurse actions are consistent with the policies and procedures of the Department of Nursing and the New Hampshire Nurse Practice Act.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND WORK ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

CLINICAL DUTIES- Pre-operative/ Pre-Procedural Patient

• Responsible for reviewing patient health information and utilizing critical thinking to ensure that all appropriate pre-op testing has been completed.
• Responsible for assisting with patient data collection (i.e., labs, progress notes, H&P) utilizing multiple different computer programs
• Responsible for completion of the pre-operative checklist
• Responsible for a complete pre-operative assessment on all patients
• Responsible for carrying out physician/CRNA pre- operative orders including medication administration and completion of EKG’s
• Responsible for obtaining IV access
• Responsible for evaluation of pre-operative teaching
• Responsible for the timely coordination of care activities to optimize the patient flow through the surgical department, including review of the record prior to surgery

CLINICAL DUTIES-Post-operative Phase 1 and Phase 2

• Responsible for frequent assessment of the post-operative patient in the Post

Anesthesia Care Unit or directly from the Operating Room to SDS area using

ASPAN guidelines

• Responsible for utilizing Modified Aldrete to determine recovery phase.
• Responsible for post-operative teaching to include wound/dressing education, crutch walking, signs and symptoms of infection, pain management techniques and the recovery process after surgery.
• Responsible for discussing physician post-operative instructions with patient and family and assisting with the scheduling of post-operative appointments as indicated
• Responsible for the timely coordination of care activities to optimize the patient flow through the surgical department including discharge of the patient once appropriate criteria are met

CLINICAL DUTIES—Endoscopy

• Responsible for reviewing patient health information and utilizing critical thinking to ensure that all appropriate pre-op testing has been completed
• Responsible for assisting with any outstanding patient data collection
• Responsible for completion of pre-procedure checklist
• Responsible for a complete pre-procedures assessment on all patients
• Responsible for obtaining IV access
• Responsible for carrying out physician/CRNA orders pre-procedure
• Responsible for evaluation of pre-operative teaching
• Responsible for the timely coordination of care activities to optimize patient flow through endoscopy, including review of record prior to procedure.

CLINICAL—PROFESSIONAL

• Attendance at unit staff meetings
• Cross training includes SDS, PACU, ENDO, and pre-operative assessment.
• Review/Follow up of events

CERTIFICATIONS- (renewal)

• ACLS- every two years
• PALS- every two years

ANCILLARY DUTIES

• Responsible for ordering unit supplies
• Restocking of supplies
• Cleaning of equipment
• Restocking of patient care areas
• Cleaning of rooms in the off hours as census dictate

Working conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Physically demanding, high stress environment
• Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions
• Pushing and pulling heavy objects
• Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients
• Manual and finger dexterity
• Hand and eye coordination
• Standing and walking for extensive periods of time
• Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds
• Corrected vision and hearing to within normal range
• Working irregular hours including call hours