(PRN) Registered Nurse, Pre-Op

SUMMARY:

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. Give 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