RN Ambulatory Surgery

POSITION SUMMARY

The RN directs, plans, and organizes the nursing activities on the unit for an assigned shift with focus on patient, physician and staff needs. The RN delivers skilled patient care through the nursing process in accordance with established policies and procedures; for coordinating patient care through the nursing process in accordance with established policies and procedures; for coordinating care among patient / family, medicine, nursing, and ancillary and other team personnel; acts as patient advocate; and maintains current knowledge and standards of professional nursing practice. The nurse must provide quick and precise assessment of patients, create care plan according to care guidelines and maintain caring relationship with patients and their families. Responsible for compiling and using information related to patient care and preparation for surgery and care postoperatively to include pain management and discharge to home.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrates accurate assessment skills appropriate to the age of the patient. This is done in accordance with unit / department standards. Completes initial assessment / nursing history, including age specific data according to policy for a particular unit. Appropriate referrals are ordered when indicated.
• Develops a multidisciplinary plan of care that is age specific. Revises and updates plan of care as needed evidenced by changes in patient status. Demonstrates abilities to prioritize nursing interventions in accordance with patient's needs.
• Documentation reflects patient response to nursing interventions, medication, treatments, and education 90% of the time. Documentation is legible, timely accurate and in accordance with policy and procedure, including documentation and wastage of controlled substances.
• Utilizes the nursing process to provide routine and specialized teaching to the patient / family / significant other as documented in the patient record and through observation of peers and manager. ▪ Assess learning needs of patient / family / significant other ▪ Plans patient education at level of patient / family / significant other's understanding. ▪ Involves patient / family / significant other in the individualized teaching program. ▪ Revises teaching plan based on identified needs and comprehension of patient / family / significant other.
• Demonstrates effective oral communications skills through the presentation of pertinent information in shift-to-shift and transfer reports to other members of the health care team. Is able to receive and benefit from constructive criticism in a positive manner.
• Is knowledgeable of patient care procedures and follows standards of care.
• Consistently follows policy for utilizing standard / universal precautions. Takes an active role in recognizing emergency situations, responds and manages patient / family appropriately.
• Follows policy relating to National Patient Safety Goal regarding hand washing by demonstrating appropriate hand hygiene between patient contacts.
• Presents self in manner that assures the confidence of patients, visitors, and staff. Analyzes problems and suggests appropriate solutions and acts within limits of authority. Demonstrates ability to function in a leadership role.
• Delegates responsibilities based on knowledge of staff's capabilities and patient needs indicated by review of patient assignments / task, communications, and peer review. Aware of and follows hospital chain of command. Acts as preceptor for new employees and contributes to professional growth of peers by providing feedback through peer coaching and evaluation. Demonstrates effective decision-making abilities.
• Demonstrates initiative by active participation in staff meetings, committees, and projects. Acquires 25 contact hours of continuing education per year. Prioritizes responsibilities to effectively utilize time. Adheres to policy for use of sick time. Follows proper call-in procedure.
• Demonstrates ability to effectively use the computer systems. Addresses needs and expectations of all customers (patients, families, guests, fellow employees, and physicians). Able to identify own knowledge deficit and seek resources to provide safe patient care. Efficiently and effectively uses resources to ensure the financial viability and continued success of the hospital. Embraces change and continuously identifies opportunities for improvement. Controls patient care cost through efficient management of supplies and services; suggests new approaches for cost containment. Abides by all hospital polices, rules and regulations and performs any other duties deemed necessary by the Head Nurse / Charge Nurse or Nursing Supervisor.
• All other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND REQUIREMENTS

Please indicate whether you have ever been convicted of a crime, including any misdemeanors and / or DUI / DWI. (Criminal conviction(s) will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment).