Pre-Op/PACU RN

• The Pre-Op/PACU Registered Nurse is knowledgeable in the theory and principles of many areas of perioperative nursing including pre-operative, post anesthesia recovery, pain, patient teaching and telephone nursing assessments.
• The pre-operative nurse is responsible for preparing the patient for the operating room. This includes the assessment of the physical and psychological status of the patient as well as accurately completing the admission and pre-operative documentation.
• The PACU nurse is responsible for the care of the post-operative patient. It is the responsibility of the PACU nurse to ensure the patient is stable and meets all requirements to be safely discharged as well as accurately completing the admission and pre-operative documentation. He/she is responsible for directing the nursing care of the patient in their assigned area and is responsible for directing the tasks non-professional care givers. Ensures that care is safe, efficient, effective, timely, and meets the cultural, spiritual and ethnic needs of patients and their families consistent with NEBH's mission and core values.

Accountability:

• The Pre-op/PACU Registered Nurse is directly responsible to the Clinical manager but may be supervised by the Resource Nurse.
• Works in collaboration with the care giving team.
• Delegates tasks to non-professional staff.

Principal Duties:

Performs the following duties during the pre-operative phase:

• Assessment of the pre-operative patients for both physical and psychological needs.
• Accurate documentation of all pre-operative vital signs and test results performed at the ASC.
• Communicating relevant information to the OR RN, surgeon and anesthesiologist.
• Provides age appropriate emotional and physical support as needed.
• Recognizes symptoms of cardiac and respiratory arrest as well as other impending health crisis and intervenes appropriately.
• Assesses the needs of the patient and establishes a plan for care. Implements that plan to provide for the patient.
• Maintains competency in the use of equipment required to provide safe patient care.
• Reviews with OR RN the preoperative checklist ensuring all requirements are met before patients are escorted to the OR.

Performs the following duties during the post anesthesia recovery phase:

• Assessment of all PACU patients for both physical and psychological needs.
• Accurate documentation of all post operative vital signs, conducts pain assessments on admission, post operatively and reassesses as need, and general conditions.
• Communicates with/teaches patients and at home care givers regarding post operative condition and expectations after discharge.
• Recognizes symptoms of cardiac and respiratory arrest as well as other impending health crisis and intervenes appropriately.
• Collaborates with other professional caregivers regarding patient's condition.
• Competent in the use of equipment used to provide safe patient care.
• Coordinates care of the patient with the surgeon, anesthesiologist and other personnel as required.
• Performs other duties as needed (i.e. stocking, room turnover, assisting in preop or PACU)
• Responsible for maintaining accurate, up-to-date education file and any required licenses, certifications without reminder.
• Attends and participates in staff meeting and in-services.
• Professional Expectations:
• Behaves in a positive and cooperative manner.
• Seeks out and utilizes resources to keep current in nursing trends and practice.
• Participates in the development and implementation of ASC policies and standards of care.
• Seeks assistance from other resource persons to improve skills, knowledge and practice at ASC.
• Assists in orientation of new employees.
• Provides leadership as a resource person, willingly providing information to improve patient care at ASC.
• Identifies process improvement opportunities and takes personal accountability for patient safety.
• Ensures proper identification of patient when providing care in accordance with NEBH identification policies and procedures.
• Documents and updates the patient medical records in accordance with NEBH and department specific policies and procedures.
• Performs services in compliance with established practice standards, policies, procedures, protocols, guidelines, statutes and regulations (example: JCAHO, Fire Code, OSHA)
• Adheres to infection control standards including, but not limited to hand hygiene, room assignment, isolation precautions, aseptic/sterile techniques, and universal standard precautions. Cleans equipment in accordance with NEBH and departmental policies, procedures and standards.
• Utilizes and adheres to proper procedures for handling and disposing of bio-hazardous materials
• Participates in hospital and/or unit-based patient safety and quality activities and uses principles to support and improve patient outcomes and efficiencies.
• Maintains a collaborative work relationship with peers and colleagues in order to create a positive and professional work environment. Takes initiative to share knowledge and skills willingly with colleagues, students and novice practitioners in a collegial manner.

Required Experience and Education:

• A minimum of two years recent experience as a PACU RN.
• BSN Degree required. MA RN license required.
• ASPAN certification strongly preferred.
• American Heart Association BLS, Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification Required.