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…