Preop and PACU RN

POSITION SUMMARY

The peri-anesthesia nurse is responsible for patient assessment, care, and teaching in preoperative and postoperative units. As a nursing professional, uses the nursing process to care for patients.

• Responsible for admitting and preparing patients for surgery and/or procedures.
• Assures patient comprehension of the procedure. This may include communication with family or support persons of the patient.
• Co-ordinates with business office staff for maintaining an efficient patient flow.
• Provides information and education to the patient.
• Completes nursing assessment and documentation.
• Starts IV treatments as necessary.
• Responsible for the professional post-operative nursing care of the patient by utilizing the nursing care process and making a plan for patient care. Co-ordinates care with other disciplines involved in patient care.
• Assesses the patient’s recovery for sedation and/or anesthesia and makes appropriate judgments for nursing intervention. Recognizes life threatening arrhythmias and initiates appropriate therapy and/or assures assistance.
• Monitors the patient’s level of consciousness through communication and appropriate observation of blood pressure, O2 saturation, cardiac and respiratory status.
• Performs venipuncture as necessary for IV restarts and administers medications as ordered by a physician.
• Prepares patient for discharge with post-operative instruction and teaching; discharges patient per appropriate orders.
• Makes plan for patient care.
• Makes assignments, teaches, and supervises care given by ancillary personnel.
• Using professional nursing care assesses the needs and status of the patient.
• Administers and controls narcotics and medications as appropriate.
• Maintains patient records and charts.
• Evaluates outcomes and adjusts nursing care process as necessary in consultation with other nursing staff and physicians. Participates in quality improvement activities.
• Institutes emergency care as appropriate.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Possesses an understanding of the range of treatment needed by patients dependent on the stage of growth and development of an age group’s life span.
• Participates in staff meetings, committees, staff development and educational programs to meet personal, professional, facility certification and regulatory requirements as defined in Title XXII licensure requirements, Medicare, and the accreditation organization.
• Accepts responsibility for patient safety and assures safe practice.
• Demonstrates competency necessary to perform patient care.
• Participates as a member of the Center team to promote a positive working environment.
• Adheres to policies and procedures of the facility.
• Assists in developing policies and procedures as needed.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.