Registered Nurse - Pre-Op/PACU

Full Time Pre-Op/PACU Registered NurseTownsen Memorial Surgery Center - Med Center is looking for a Full Time Pre-Op/PACU Registered Nurse to join our team! The Registered Nurse Pre-Op/PACU is responsible for admitting the patient to the clinical area and providing nursing care to the pre-operative and post-operative patient, as well as developing a nursing care plan specifically designed for the individual patient. The staffing of the Center is based on a teamwork concept. Employees may be cross trained in other clinical areas and may be expected to perform duties other than their normal ones as staffing and patient needs change. Current, active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the State of Texas required.Essential Functions:Ensures the pre-operative, post-operative, observation/inpatient area has a clean and therapeutic environment for all patients at all times. Give instructions to patients as instructed by physician or physician assistantEnsures supplies and equipment needed are available and in good working orderAdmits the patient to the unit and prepares him/her for the scheduled procedureMakes initial assessment and determines the nursing needs of the patient, communicates additional discharge needs when applicable (transportation, durable medical equipment)Explains nursing procedures and actions taken to help reduce anxietyIdentifies patient's physical and mental statusMonitors the patient's medical condition and reports any significant changes to the admitting physician or anesthesiologistAssures surgical consent, pre-operative test results and History and Physical are in the medical record prior to proposed procedurePre-op and post-op calls to patientsReports any important health history facts to the operating room nurse/medical directorGives patients and family members emotional support as necessaryDocuments patient care delivered, accurately in the medical recordImplements doctor's orders in a timely and accurate mannerEducates patients and familyDevelops and maintains an effective working relationship with patients, families, visitors, and other Center employeesDocuments concisely, precisely, and accurately on all records or documents as indicated by policyUnderstands and maintains clinical competencies (general, age specific and drug administration)Demonstrates clinical problem solving and critical thinkingMakes decisions using evidence based analytical approachPlans for routine events and anticipates/prevents and manages/evaluates emergent situationsCompletes patient care responsibilities in a timely manner with accurate documentationUses downtime efficiently, aware of team members workload and constantly helps and responds positively to requests for assistance from other team membersAdapts to unexpected changesEffectively acclimate to various work schedules to achieve high quality of careProtects patient and family privacy rights and maintains confidentiality of patient records in accordance to policy and procedure and HIPAA requirementsFollows all safety rules on the job. Reports all accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards.Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the work placeMaintains established Center/Departmental policies and proceduresAdheres to the company standards of business conductPerforms other related duties as assigned to support the hospitalKnowledge, Skills, and Abilities:Knowledge of computer and relevant software applicationsStrong attention to detail: being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.Has self-control to maintain composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in difficult situations.Ability to adequately diagnose, plan and implement nursing interventions and evaluate patient condition.Compliance with facility policies and procedures.Compliance with continuing and mandatory education programs.Practices nursing within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act of Texas and accepts responsibility and accountability for own actionsPossesses appropriate communication skills to practice collaborative nursing.Ability to respond quickly, physically and mentally when priorities and /or the patient's condition changes.High stress tolerance: accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.Ability to adapt with flexibility: being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.Ability to work independently by guiding oneself with little or no supervision and depending one oneself to get things done.Ability to maintain effective and organized systems to ensure timely patient flow.Ability to maintain records.Ability to lift 50 lbs., carry 35 lbs., push and pull 25lbs, lift overhead 25 lbs. Able to perform repetitive standing, sitting, stooping, walking, stretching, and reaching.Ability to clean, maintain, and make minor adjustments to equipment.Excellent, polished patient interaction skills. Ability to communicate professionally with patients.Exceptional customer service and phone etiquetteStrong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word & Vision (EMR)Energetic with a desire to learn and develop new skills.Education and Experience:College degree required; minimum of an Associate's Degree with a Bachelor's Degree preferredMinimum 2 years recent experience in a peri-operative environmentRegistered Nurse in the State of Texas; License must remain active and unencumbered while employedCurrent BLS, ACLS and PALSMust complete additional educational requirements as assigned by due dates