Registered Nurse - Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Nurse

Department: Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Daily Work Times: Variable

Shift: Variable

Scheduled Bi-Weekly Hours: 40

Position Summary: Coordinates total nursing care for patients, participates in patient and family teaching and provides leadership by working cooperatively with ancillary nursing and other patient team personnel in maintained standards for professional nursing practice in the clinical setting. The Registered Nurse recognizes that each patient is a unique individual and has the right to quality nursing care that ensures mutual goal setting between the Registered Nurse and the patient and that the Registered Nurse assures patient rights and privacy are protected. The Registered Nurse is held accountable to the ethical and professional standards as defined in the ANA Code for Nurses, the ANA Nursing's Social Policy Statement, the State of Michigan Public Heath code and the ANA and Specialty Nursing Standards of Clinical Practice. The Registered Nurse is also accountable to adhering to the standards set by regulatory agencies such as but not limited to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), Conditions of Participation of Healthcare Finance Administration (HCFA), and Michigan Occupational Health and Safety (MIOSHA). These accountabilities require individual competence in nursing practice, and the recognition and responsible acceptance of individual actions and judgments.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Pride in our organization and enthusiasm for our work.
• Respect and caring for our customers and each other.
• Integrity in our conduct and character.

Unit Based Competencies Perioperative Services

• Understand and implements Universal Protocol.
• Understand and implements protective measures to prevent skin or tissue injury due to thermal, chemical, mechanical, laser and/or radiation exposure.
• Understand and implements latex precautions as needed.
• Understands and implements specimen handling and disposition.
• Understands and implements aseptic technique.
• Understand and implements appropriate skin precautions.
• Monitors and evaluates response to thermo-regulation measures, including hypo and hyperthermia.
• Collaborates with other members of the healthcare team in fluid and electrolyte management, including Blood product therapy.
• Assesses pain and implements various methods of pain management.
• Demonstrates the ability to establish an environment of safety by ensuring continuity of care, i.e. hand off communication.
• Performs required counts including sharps, sponges and instruments.
• Understands and performs procedure-specific positioning of patients.

Position Specific Expectations:

• Must complete a moderate sedations education basic course within six (6) months of date of transfer.
• Must have basic knowledge of surgical techniques and anatomy.
• May cross train to relieve in other areas of Perioperative Services.
• Must have the ability to maintain a positive working relationship.
• Must be able to follow verbal and written instructions.
• Must be able to read and comprehend schedules, patient charts, orders, etc.
• Must possess the ability to multitask in a hectic, changing atmosphere.
• Must have reasonable hearing and vision ability to hear pages, beepers and answer call lights.
• Must be able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Hospital policy and regulating agencies.
• Must be able to work in confined areas.
• Must meet requirements of specific units, as set forth in posting language.
• Ability to communicate with patients, doctors, employees and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person and on the telephone.
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of records, documents, or discussions related to Hospital and departmental functions.
• Must take call as assigned if required.
• Attendance is an essential element of this position.

Required:

• Education - Graduate of an approved registered nursing program.
• Must have a current Michigan Registered Nurse license.
• BLS Certification required.
• ALS Certified within three (3) months of date of transfer (Pre-Admission RN excluded).
• PALS Certified within six (6) months of date of transfer (Pre-Admission and Circulator RN excluded).

Preferred:

• Pre-Admission RN and Circulation RN experience.
• Must complete a moderate sedation education basic course within six (6) months of date of transfer.
• Six months experience in an Intensive Care Unit, Coronary Care, Recovery Room, or Surgery within the last two years or meet the internal posting criteria.