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Completes Pre-anesthesia assessment form. Collects pre-operative data (i.e. lab work, EKG, medical clearance), gathers requested reports and assembles charts in correct order. Follows up and reports variances as necessary with patients, anesthesia and physicians. Reports pertinent patient information accurately in pre-operative surgical team briefing and when transferring patient care (i.e. OR to PACU, PACU to Phase II or to medical floor)
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Identifies patient verbally and with identification band, cross referencing with patient medical record. Verifies operative/procedural consent form for correctness and completion. Completes pre-operative/pre-procedure checklist/physician orders. Assists patient/family in preparing for surgery/procedure.
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Performs pre-operative and post-operative teaching to patients/families considering the physical, social, economical, emotional aspects, education and age of the patient. Uses an understanding of the principles of growth and development to assess each patient’s age specific needs and provide age specific treatment and care.
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Administers medications and intravenous therapy as ordered (i.e. starts IV’s, label medications correctly, establishes correct flow rate and administers IV medications per physician orders). Monitors intake and output. Records narcotics used/discarded accurately on narcotic count sheets.
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Ensures that necessary supplies, personnel, medications, instruments and equipment are available to meet patient’s/surgeon’s/physician’s need during surgery and endoscopy procedures. Applies knowledge of surgical asepsis in arranging and opening surgical packs, dressings, instrument trays and other selected supplies.
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Ensures the collection, labeling, logging and delivery of specimens to the laboratory. Implements infection control and isolation procedures as appropriate.
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Assists anesthesia personnel with patient as needed. Demonstrates basic knowledge of anesthetic agents and various stages of anesthesia from induction through recovery. Notifies anesthesia/surgeon or physician/supervisor of patient complications or changes in status.
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Monitors and documents patient’s vital signs per unit policy. Monitors cardiac rhythm, recognizes arrhythmia and institutes proper treatment for arrhythmia per anesthesia/physician order. Monitors and documents vital signs during surgery on patients receiving local anesthesia. Monitors surgical/procedural site for changes(i.e. abdominal distension, firmness) Assesses dressings, drains, tubes and catheters for amount and character of output. Reports concerns and documents assessment. Completes documentation forms for each unit thoroughly and accurately.
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Provides for patient safety through preventative measures(i.e. siderails up, call light within reach, assist to OR bed, positions correctly, secures safety belt, ground pad placement, padding). Reports potential hazards. Assists in positioning patients for proper surgical/procedural exposure. Performs surgical prep, assists with draping of patient and surgical field as necessary. Monitors aseptic technique of the surgical team; ensures sterility of all items passed on to the surgical field and ensures proper disposal of contaminated articles and sharps. Performs sharps, sponge and instrument counts accurately and documents appropriately.
