Registered Nurse PACU Full time

Perioperative Nurse

Basic Job Purpose:

To plan and deliver safe, effective preoperative and postoperative nursing care until patient is dismissed from the facility.

Qualifications:

Education: Graduate of an accredited School of Professional Nursing

Current licensure by the State of Georgia as a Registered Nurse

Experience in which progressive clinical competencies have been demonstrated, preferably with a minimum two years PACU or Critical Care experience. Current certification in ACLS (and PALS where appropriate) or ability/commitment to achievement of certification within 60 days of employment.

Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to move upper extremities within full range of motion as well as stoop and bend at 90 degrees. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The exposure risk to bloodborne pathogens is great.

Language Skills: Speaking voice that has good quality and tone; speech that is understandable.

Standards of Pre-Operative Care:

Initiates physical and psychological patient assessment and initiates preoperative patient care plan.

Criteria for Evaluation:

A. Utilizes appropriate body mechanics in moving patients and stretchers to prevent injury to patients and self.

B. Determines appropriate priorities for activities based on work demand.

C. Maintains adequate supplies for area to function smoothly.

D. Reviews schedule daily and obtains physician's orders for the following day as necessary.

E. Maintains clean and neat patient care and work area.

F. Responsible for preop interview (phone and in house).

G. Knowledgeable of labwork normals and variables, and physician orders

H. Will work closely with the Surgical Scheduler and Anesthesia Provider on days posted in interview office.

Standards of Care:

Accomplishes complete patient assessment and evaluation of each patient prior to surgery or treatment.

Criteria for Evaluation:

A. Identifies patient arm band and greets patient and family.

B. Checks and assures that physician's preoperative orders are complete.

C. Verifies surgical site verbally with patient.

D. Assesses patient's understanding of procedure and checks surgical consent for accuracy and completeness.

E. Obtains signature on surgical consent when appropriate.

F. Obtains history and performs physical and psychological assessment of the patient, identifying physical and emotional status.

G. Obtains vital signs upon admission, recheck if abnormal.

H. Initiates intravenous therapy as indicated utilizing aseptic technique with appropriate I.V. catheter, rate and fluid.

I. Administers preoperative medications as prescribed and monitors patient appropriately until transferred to O.R.

J. Documents assessment and nursing care on appropriate records.

K. Reports test abnormalities and any other pertinent information to surgeon, anesthesiologist, operating room staff and other preoperative area staff as necessary.

L. Assesses patient's level of fear/anxiety and provides comfort and support for patient and family.

M. Maintains patient's privacy, comfort, and safety in the holding area, i.e. bed rails up, brakes on stretchers.

Standards of Postoperative Care:

Plans and prepares for the postoperative care of the patient.

Criteria for Evaluation:

A. Checks all emergency carts for preparedness.

B. Checks work area for adequate stock supplies.

C. Prepares work station and checks oxygen and suction equipment.

D. Determines appropriate priorities for activities.

E. Maintains adequate inventory of supplies and equipment in a cost effective manner.

F. Makes recommendations to PACU coordinator regarding equipment needs and purchases.

Standards of Care:

Implements care of the patient/family in PACU.

Criteria for Evaluation:

A. Assesses patient for patency of airway and continually monitors adequacy of ventilation and provides airway support as needed.

B. Reports patient's condition and vital signs to anesthesiologist immediately and as necessary during postoperative period.

C. Performs head to toe assessment of patient and evaluates patient by approved scoring system.

D. Checks dressing and/or operative site and reports abnormalities to surgeon.

E. Provides a safe, warm, caring environment for patient and family, while restraining patient for safety reasons, as needed.

F. Understands usual PACU drugs thoroughly and recognizes need for reversal drugs.

G. Administer medications as needed. Achieves safe and optimum level of analgesia and relief from nausea/vomiting.

H. Recognizes emergency situations and responds effectively in a calm, controlled manner.

I. Assures that all patients meet all discharge criteria and that patient and family are given written discharge instructions and understands them.

J. Provides appropriate information to nursing personnel re: patient status when transferring patients from PACU to other patient care areas.

K. Assists in transporting patients from the PACU to designated patient care areas, using appropriate monitoring devices, as necessary.

L. Assists physicians with scheduled treatments as requested.

M. Always thoroughly document all of the above on patient's records.

Standards of Care:

Utilizes interpersonal skills in an effective manner.

Criteria for Evaluation:

A. Serves as role model and resource person for peers and co-workers.

B. Functions in role of team member and team leader when necessary.

C. Maintains good relationships and communicates well with patients, families, staff and physicians in a professional manner.

D. Communicates with and provides assistance for other personnel in a kind and courteous manner.

E. Follows chain of command regarding intra- or interdepartmental problems.

F. Shares knowledge with co-workers through open communication and continuous upgrading of skills.

Standards of Care:

Demonstrates dependability and accountability.

Criteria for Evaluation:

A. Reports to work as scheduled, on time, with no unexcused absences.

B. Accurately records daily arrival and departure through use of time clock.

C. Notifies department in advance of tardiness or absence.

D. Willingly accepts assignments and floats to other areas as needed and performs effectively on a daily basis.

E. Adheres to dress code and maintains clean, neat appearance.

F. Requests vacation and other time off according to Center policy.

G. Works overtime as needed or assigned

H. Performs other duties as assigned

Standards of Care:

Maintains professional growth.

Criteria for Evaluation:

A. Attends required inservices annually as well as programs to enhance clinical skills.

B. Maintains current knowledge of advances in surgery, anesthesia, and the perioperative field of nursing.

C. Maintains current knowledge of medical/legal trends in surgery and PACU.

D. Evaluates suggestions objectively, accepts constructive criticism, and seeks guidance as needed.

Standards of Care:

Ergonomics.

Criteria for Evaluation:

A. Minimum amount of heavy lifting for this position. Moderate amount of pulling or assisting patients from stretcher into chairs. Must position patients, lift instrument trays, move equipment, and transfer patients from one location to another.

B. Uses good posture and body mechanics when lifting or putting physical stress on the body.

Other duties may be assigned by the immediate manager/supervisor and/or Administrator.