PACU

Full Time Pre Op /PACU Registered Nurse

The Registered Nurse PreOp / 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.

Essential Functions:

• Ensures the pre-operative, post-operative, observation/inpatient area has a clean and therapeutic environment for all patients at all times.
• Gives instructions to patients as instructed by physician or physician assistant
• Ensures supplies and equipment needed are available and in good working order
• Admits the patient to the unit and prepares him/her for the scheduled procedure
• Makes 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 anxiety
• Identifies patients physical and mental status
• Monitors the patients medical condition and reports any significant changes to the admitting physician or anesthesiologist
• Assures surgical consent, pre-operative test results and History and Physical are in the medical record prior to proposed procedure
• Pre-op and post-op calls to patients
• Reports any important health history facts to the operating room nurse/medical director
• Gives patients and family members emotional support as necessary
• Documents patient care delivered, accurately in the medical record
• Implements doctors orders in a timely and accurate manner
• Educates patients and family
• Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with patients, families, visitors, and other Center employees
• Documents concisely, precisely, and accurately on all records or documents as indicated by policy
• Understands and maintains clinical competencies (general, age specific and drug administration)
• Demonstrates clinical problem solving and critical thinking
• Makes decisions using evidence based analytical approach
• Plans for routine events and anticipates/prevents and manages/evaluates emergent situations
• Completes patient care responsibilities in a timely manner with accurate documentation
• Uses downtime efficiently, aware of team members workload and constantly helps and responds positively to requests for assistance from other team members
• Adapts to unexpected changes
• Acclimate to various work schedules to achieve high quality of care
• Protects patient and family privacy rights and maintains confidentiality of patient records in accordance to policy and procedure and HIPAA requirements
• Follows 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 place
• Maintains established Center/Departmental policies and procedures
• Adheres to the company standards of business conduct
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the hospital

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of computer and relevant software applications
• Strong attention to detail
• Self-control to maintain composure
• Ability to 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
• Ability to respond quickly, physically and mentally when priorities and/or the patients condition changes
• High stress tolerance
• Ability to adapt with flexibility
• Ability to work independently
• 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.
• Ability 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 etiquette
• Strong 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 Associates Degree with a Bachelors Degree preferred
• Minimum 2 years recent experience in a peri-operative environment
• Registered Nurse in the State of Texas; License must remain active and unencumbered while employed
• Current BLS, ACLS and PALS
• Must complete additional educational requirements as assigned by due dates