Registered Nurse

PRE-OPERATIVE Registered Nurse

The Pre-Operative Nurse is responsible for the physical and psychological patient assessment and initiates the pre-operative patient care plan.

6a- 2:30pm Monday- Thursday and every other Friday

Education, Training, Experience:

Currently licensed to practice nursing in the state.
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
BS in nursing recommended.
Certification in CPR. ACLS encouraged but not required.
A minimum of two years experience as a Pre-Operative Nurse.
Completion of a critical care class including basic arrhythmia interpretation.
Job Relationships:

Reports to Director of Nursing/Area Manager or Supervisor.

Physical Demands:

1. Require high level of visual and auditory acuity for timely response and patient care assessment activities, for frequent use of computers and occasional use of other office equipment.

2. Ability to move quickly in response to physician and patient needs, ability to move frequently throughout the Center, to sit for long periods of time, to perform desk, office and administrative activities.

3. Ability to perform physical activities that require use of arms and legs, or entire body, such as lifting, balancing, walking, stooping and handling of equipment or supplies. Ability to perform occasional overhead and low reaching.

4. Occasionally exert force up to 30lbs, frequently up to 10 lbs, and constantly up to 5lbs.

5. Patient care activities may require the ability to exert muscle force to lift, push or pull up to 30lbs consistently, up to 40lbs occasionally, and up to 100lbs. rarely.

6. Able to position or transport patients, prepare Procedure Room, and set up patient care equipment.

Responsibilities:

Initiates physical and psychological patient assessment and initiates pre-operative care plan.
Review the surgery schedule daily and obtains physicians orders for the following day as necessary.
Determine appropriate priorities for activities based on the work demand.
Maintain adequate supplies for the area to function smoothly.
Utilize appropriate body mechanics in moving patients and stretchers to prevent injury to patients and staff.
Accurately gives the patient and/or family member pre-operative instructions and reviews with the patient and the family:
Time of arrival.
NPO status.
Clothing requirements.
Approximate length of stay.
Medication requirements for the day of surgery as ordered by the physician.
Special instructions for "home care".
Need for responsible adult to drive the patient home.
The total pre-operative experience on the day of surgery.

Accomplishes complete patient assessment and evaluation of each patient prior to surgery or treatment.
Identify patient armband by verbally verifying correct spelling and punctuation of name.
Greet patient's family and keeps them informed about the patient's progress through the pre-operative experience.
Check and assure that the physician's orders are complete.
Verify surgical site verbally with the patient.
Assess patient's understanding of the procedure and check surgical consent for the accuracy and completeness.
Obtain signature on surgical consent when appropriate.
Obtain history and physical and psychological assessment of the patient identifying physical and emotional status.
Obtain vital signs.
Initiate intravenous therapy as indicated, utilizing aseptic technique.
Administers pre-operative medications as prescribed and monitors patient appropriately until transfer to OR.
Document assessment and nursing care on appropriate record.
Report test abnormalities and any other pertinent information to surgeon, anesthesiologist, operating room staff and other peri-operative area staff as necessary.
Assess patient's level of fear/anxiety and provides a comfort and support for the patient and family.
Maintain patient's privacy, comfort and safety at all time.

Adheres to facility policies.
Report to work as scheduled or call one of the management staff in a timely fashion if unable to report to work.
Maintain professional appearance through proper attire.
Complete all the tasks listed in this job description in a timely and professional fashion.
Perform other duties as assigned by members of the management staff.

Utilizes interpersonal skills to promote and maintain communication.
Emphasize quality performance.
Maintain a professional rapport with other employees.
Maintain patient-focused attitude.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information.
Inform members of the management staff of any problems in a timely fashion.

Continuing Education:
Demonstrates interest in self-improvement.
Takes responsibility for learning new procedures, operating new equipment, and utilizing new products.
Takes advantage of learning experience offered in or by the center.
Attends and participates in all in-service programs.
Maintains valid CPR cards.
Obtains necessary continuing education credits.