Registered Nurse, Pre-Op

Registered Nurse, Pre-Op

The Registered Nurse, Pre-Op 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.

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 patient's physical and mental status.
• Monitors the patient's 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 doctor's 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.
• Effectively 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 with 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 workplace.
• 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:

• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word & Vision (EMR).
• Strong 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 actions.
• Possesses appropriate communication skills to practice collaborative nursing.
• Excellent, professionally polished patient interaction skills.
• Exceptional customer service and phone etiquette.
• 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 and records to ensure timely patient flow.
• Ability to clean, maintain, and make minor adjustments to equipment.

Education and Experience:

• Associates Degree in Nursing.
• Registered Nurse in the State of Texas.
• One (1) year of experience in a peri-operative environment.
• Basic Life Support certified.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified or must be obtained within sixty (60) days of hire.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified or must be obtained within sixty (60) days of hire.

Benefits:

• 3 Medical Plans.
• 2 Dental Plans.
• 1 Vision Plan.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Short and Long Term Disability Plans.
• Basic Life and Voluntary Insurance Plans with AD&D.
• 401(k) with a 2-year vesting.
• PTO + Holidays.

Townsen Memorial Hospital is an accredited network of facilities with an emphasis on emergency care, outpatient surgery, and diagnostics and imaging. Our core mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based patient care to those we serve. At Townsen Memorial, we encompass diversity, dignity, and inclusiveness as a reflection of our core values. Townsen Memorial is committed to driving cutting edge healthcare to our patients, our communities and each other.

Townsen Memorial Hospital