RN PreOp PRN

RN PreOp PRN

Webster, Texas Memorial Hermann Houston Physicians' Hospital Category Nursing

Job Summary: To act as patient advocate, providing continuity of care designed to meet individual patient needs through collaboration with other members of the health care team at the Center. Supports the philosophy, objectives and goals of the organization. The Pre-op nurse will ensure quality care to the individual patients pre-operatively including, but not limited to geriatric, adult, pediatric and adolescent patients.

Responsibilities:

• Duties of Pre-op RN opening Pre-op area for the day include:
• Readies the area to receive patients.
• Conducts and documents departmental environmental audits
• Assesses physical and emotional needs of patients and implements appropriate Nursing interventions. Include confirmation of the following information:
• Allergies
• Medications taken at home
• Dentures, contacts or glasses
• Pertinent medical conditions
• Pertinent past medical history
• Confirmation of consent and operative side
• Confirmation of responsible party
• Assesses or performs the following:
• Puts all patients on the monitor, including blood pressure
• Temperature
• Weight and height
• Accucheck for blood sugar, if applicable
• Pregnancy test, if applicable
• Start IV on all patients, except those who have an order not to start an IV. Utilizes anesthesia protocol regarding IV fluids and catheter size.
• Assist patient to undress, if assistance is needed.
• Follows proper procedures regarding exposure to Category I tasks.
• Follows proper procedures for handling hazardous waste materials.
• Follows appropriate Pre-Op/Admitting policies and procedures.
• Acknowledge and follows physicians' orders. (Both surgeons and anesthesiologists).
• Accurately, timely and completely documents vital signs, nurse's assessment, notes and medications administered in/on the Pre-OP record.
• Respects patient's right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
• Performs pre-operative instruction and explanation according to facility policy and procedure.
• Is knowledgeable about and responsive to emergency situations, i.e. cardiac arrest, malignant hyperthermia, drug reaction, fire, disaster etc.
• Reports and completes appropriate forms for incidents related to patients, visitors, and employees.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and staff development programs, including mandatory ones.
• Participates in CQI process and activities.
• Assists with all other duties as the need arises or as assigned.
• Ensures that patients are seen by the anesthesiologist prior to being taken to the OR.
• Sets priorities to facilitate the timely and efficient flow of patients throughout the day.
• Prepares and restocks the Pre-Operative area for the following day.

Required Skills:

Qualifications:

Associates Degree in Nursing; Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred Licensure as Registered Nurse in the State of Texas. 1-3 years PreOp/PACU or ICU experience Current BLS, ACLS, PALS certification Cooperative work attitude toward and with co-employees, management, patients, visitors and physicians.