Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse (RN) Pre/Post Care Unit

The Registered Nurse (RN) in the Pre/Post Care Unit provides comprehensive nursing care to surgical and procedural patients before and after anesthesia. The RN is responsible for patient assessment, preparation for surgery, recovery from anesthesia, discharge planning, patient education, and coordination of care while ensuring patient safety and adherence to regulatory standards.

Preoperative Care

• Perform comprehensive preoperative nursing assessments.
• Verify patient identity using two patient identifiers.
• Confirm informed consent, surgical site verification, and procedure accuracy.
• Review medical history, medications, allergies, laboratory results, diagnostic studies, and physician orders.
• Verify NPO status and ensure compliance with preoperative instructions.
• Initiate and maintain intravenous access as ordered.
• Administer preoperative medications according to physician orders and organizational policy.
• Complete preoperative documentation and safety checklists.
• Identify and communicate abnormal assessment findings to the anesthesia provider or surgeon.
• Prepare patients physically and emotionally for surgery by providing education and answering questions.
• Coordinate with anesthesia, surgeons, operating room staff, and ancillary departments to facilitate timely patient flow.

Post-Anesthesia Care

• Receive handoff reports from anesthesia and operating room staff using standardized communication.
• Assess airway, breathing, circulation, neurological status, pain level, and surgical site.
• Monitor vital signs and recognize early signs of postoperative complications.
• Administer medications, intravenous fluids, blood products, and treatments as prescribed.
• Manage postoperative nausea, vomiting, pain, and other recovery needs.
• Monitor for complications including bleeding, respiratory depression, hypotension, allergic reactions, and delayed emergence.
• Escalate patient concerns promptly using established clinical pathways.
• Collaborate with anesthesia providers regarding discharge readiness.

Patient Education and Discharge

• Provide individualized discharge instructions to patients and caregivers.
• Educate patients regarding medications, wound care, activity restrictions, pain management, diet, and follow-up appointments.
• Verify discharge criteria have been met prior to discharge.
• Ensure patients are discharged safely with appropriate transportation and caregiver support.

Clinical Responsibilities

• Administer medications safely utilizing the five rights of medication administration.
• Perform blood glucose monitoring and implement appropriate interventions per protocol.
• Initiate emergency interventions during medical emergencies.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete electronic medical record documentation.
• Participate in emergency response activities including Code Blue, Rapid Response, and malignant hyperthermia management as appropriate.
• Maintain competency in moderate sedation recovery and post-anesthesia care standards.

Quality and Patient Safety

• Follow Joint Commission, CMS, OSHA, CDC, and organizational standards.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and performance improvement activities.
• Report safety concerns, medication events, and patient incidents according to policy.
• Assist with infection prevention and environmental safety practices.

Unit Operations

• Prepare patient bays for admissions and recoveries.
• Ensure availability of emergency equipment and supplies.
• Perform daily equipment checks, including crash carts, emergency airway equipment, suction, oxygen, and monitors.
• Assist with maintaining adequate inventory of clinical supplies.
• Support efficient patient throughput while maintaining high standards of care.
• Float to other perioperative areas as needed based on patient volume and departmental needs.

Communication and Leadership

• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, operating room staff, clinic personnel, and ancillary departments.
• Serve as a patient advocate throughout the surgical experience.
• Participate in staff meetings, continuing education, competency validation, and committee activities.
• Mentor and assist with orientation of new employees and nursing students as assigned.
• Promote teamwork, professionalism, and a culture of safety.

Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Arkansas.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
• One year of perioperative, PACU, critical care, emergency department, or medical-surgical nursing experience preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of perioperative nursing principles and post-anesthesia recovery standards.
• Strong assessment, prioritization, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and patient education abilities.
• Ability to recognize and respond rapidly to changes in patient condition.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records and clinical documentation.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to transfer and position patients safely.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform clinical procedures.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Visual and auditory acuity necessary to assess patient status and monitor equipment.

Job Summary : Deliver care to patients utilizing the nursing process in accordance with established philosophy. Collaborate with other professional disciplines to ensure effective patient care delivery and achievement of desired patient outcomes. Effectively interact with patients, families, & visitors while maintaining the standard of professional nursing. Provides physical and psychological support to patients.

Qualifications/Requirements : Current TB test. Must pass WRMC Medication/Dosage Calculations Exam and IV Therapy Exam. Maintains annual unit specific competencies and education fair. Adheres to White River Health System's Standard of Behaviors.