Registered Nurse – Pre-op/PACU

Primary Function:

• The primary function of the Pre-op/PACU Staff Nurse is that of professional caregiver who assumes responsibility and accountability through the nursing process, for the patient and family/significant other(s) in collaboration with other health care providers.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (28):

1. Possesses knowledge of and the ability to perform duties in accordance with established standards for all Nursing practices as set forth in the Hospital policies.
2. Keeps proficient and is knowledgeable of patient's needs, techniques, and requirements at all times.
3. Assesses the learning needs of patients/significant other(s), and has knowledge of normal growth and development stages.
4. Cares for specimens and cultures in accordance with Hospital policies and best practices.
5. Possesses knowledge of anesthetic agents, techniques, actions and interactions to include patients of all ages.
6. Administers drugs and manages drug-related problems that occur.
7. Demonstrates arrhythmia recognition and treatment.
8. Uses good nursing judgment in determining appropriate nursing actions and exhibits control in emergency situations.
9. Successfully completes BLS, ACLS, and PALS courses and maintains certification every two years.
10. Delivers exceptional patient care in line with established organizational goals and objectives.
11. Participates in the revision and implementation of nursing policies/procedures in an effort to provide ongoing advancements in patient care practices.
12. Makes independent clinical decisions regarding patient's need for nursing care and communicates it to appropriate personnel.
13. Participates in quality assurance/improvement strategies in respective clinical areas by assisting in the planning and implementation of innovative approaches to patient care.
14. Integrates cost-effective measures into all nursing care practices.
15. Regularly attends staff meetings, in-services, and all other professional development/continuing educational trainings.
16. Manages monitoring and respiratory equipment, fluid lines, tubes, drains and catheters, as appropriate to patient care needs.
17. Satisfactory completes basic assignments within given time frame and with minimal supervision.
18. Consistently exhibits accurate and timely documentation.
19. Provides care as outlined by the physician orders, nursing judgment, and patient status assessment, including accurate and prompt reporting of significant changes to supervisor and physician/surgeon.
20. Applies effective interviewing skills to elicit and give information to patient and/or significant other that are necessary to plan, implement and evaluate nursing care.
21. Communicates post-operative care instructions thoroughly to patient/significant other(s) before discharge and during post-op call.
22. Interact effectively with other health care team members to keep them informed of changes in the condition of the patient.
23. Formulates and maintains effective working relationships with peers, managers and other members of the health care team.
24. Avoids repeating rumors or soliciting unfounded statements, keeps personal biases to oneself, maintain positive image.
25. Receives constructive feedback in a positive self-develop-mental manner.
26. Functions as an effective team member.
27. Demonstrate adaptability, flexibility, and accountability when changes are made in job description and responsibility, including performing all qualified duties throughout other areas of the hospital.
28. Strives to maintain the confidentiality of all patients and their families/significant other(s).