Preop​/PACU Nurse

Job Title: Pre Op/ PACU Nurse

Department: Surgical Services

Reports To: Director of Surgical Services

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Date: 12/1/2022

Collaborates with interdisciplinary team in the delivery of patient care, utilizing the nursing process; provides professional nursing care to patients, including conducting nursing assessments, assisting with exams and treatment, patient education, and maintenance of medical records.

• Delivers safe and appropriate care to patients, according to the nursing skills inventory and the age and needs of the patient/population served.
• Coordinates the planning for the delivery of nursing care with an interdisciplinary team and administers appropriate clinical decisions in the delivery of patient care.
• Collaborates with, directs and may delegate to the healthcare team in the attainment of positive outcomes based on data, research, evidence, and professional standards of care.
• Responsible for checking and maintaining crash cart and malignant hyperthermia cart at the beginning of shift.
• Ensure that all supplies are stocked and organized.
• Ensures Pre-op Checklist is complete (H&P present, informed consent signed, test results present, surgical site identified, etc.) before patient is taken into surgical suite.
• Responsible for identifying patient’s name, DOB, allergies, and medical history.
• Responsible for ensuring all allergy band and  is on correctly.
• Responsible for ensuring all operative informed consents are signed by patient and physician.
• Ensure that all surgical orders are correct and placed in charts (no abbreviations).
• Initiate intravenous line and fluids according to surgical orders, or anesthesia orders.
• Answer patient questions within the scope of practice and ensure they are kept comfortable.
• Monitor patient for condition changes and report to physician.
• Ensure all preoperative labs, diagnostic testing are complete and placed in chart for physician review.
• Coordinate with med-surg unit on all inpatients that are due to be received for surgery.
• Coordinate with surgical scheduling on all outpatient procedures and prior to date of surgery responsible for pre-assessment calls to patient.
• Coordinate with Circulating RN on counting narcotics each morning prior to surgery.
• Adhere to policies regarding types of anesthesia received by patient: ie General (1 hour), MAC (15 Min), TIVA (30 min), Local (1 set of stable vitals)
• Ensure monitoring equipment is functioning.
• Coordinates with anesthesiologist for post-op medication management and pain management.
• Ensures all discharge orders are correct, in order, and signed by physician.
• Ensure safe transport to discharge location: whether it is to nursing unit or to vehicle with family for outpatient procedures.
• Keep PACU bays adequately stocked with anticipated supplies needed.
• Responsible for checking suction equipment and ensure function ability.
• Maintain recovery record charting and charges.
• Be able to recognize emergency situations, coordinate with anesthesia and physician, and handle in a calm proficient manner.
• Will be required to take on-call and work after the regular schedule as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Demonstrate knowledge of and adhere to regulations and policies and procedures pertaining to safety, emergency preparedness, infection control, OSHA, fire safety and hazardous materials.

• Participate in performance improvement activities as necessary.

• Maintain confidentiality of patient related issues and adhering to all HIPAA rules and regulations.
• Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills.
• Treat all patients, visitors, and staff members fairly and with respect.
• Utilize effective communication methods and skills.
• Explain all procedures, treatments, and care while remaining aware of language barriers.
• Able to perform care in non-judgmental manner and recognize discrepancies between patient and personal beliefs.

• Ensure personal appearance is business casual and professional at all times.
• Responsible for wearing identification badge at all times which must be visible and above the waistline.
• Attend all required meetings and in-service education.
• Remain flexible in staffing patterns and resolution of staffing conflicts; participates in temporary assignments.
• Compliance with attendance standards.
• Demonstrate flexibility when changes in assignments are necessary.

Education & Experience

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current Registered Nurse licensure in the State of Texas.
• Minimum of one (1) year work experience in the operating room.
• Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional affiliation to keep abreast of the latest trends in the field of expertise.
• Completes annual educational requirements.

• Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to…