RN - PACU

This position possesses the knowledge to assess, implement and monitor patient care for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures scheduled in this department. Outlines individual care plans, implements, evaluates, and documents the care of a patient pre and post operatively/procedurally. Provides leadership to the Riecker Surgery Center team and communicates with patient and family, Surgery Center team and manager and ancillary departments. Participates in staff development through preceptorship and continuing education.

May be required to take call and respond in a timely manner.

May be required to cross train to other areas of the surgical services department as determined by the needs of the department.

(30%)* Completes admission procedure and obtains appropriate signatures. Assesses both patients physical and psychological needs and notifies attending physician and anesthesia as needed. Supervises ancillary departments in preparing patients for surgery and administers appropriate medications. Checks patient chart for completeness and documents appropriately.

(20%)* Assesses patient readiness for discharge and proceeds accordingly. Carries out physician orders and documents information in compliance with medical center policy. Demonstrates a thorough knowledge of individual physicians' routine. Assesses both patients physical and medical needs and provides proper follow-up as applicable to each patient.

(20%)* Demonstrates and verbalizes the different types of anesthetic agents and methods of administration, their expected physiologic response and possible side effects. Demonstrates skills for assessment and maintenance of ventilation and homeostasis. Demonstrates assessment of pain, promotes comfort through required intervention and documents accordingly. Demonstrates and verbalizes intervention that moves the patient toward Phase I discharge criteria and promotes continuity of care.

(20%)* Evaluates effectiveness of treatment plan and makes suggestions or participates in updating/revising the treatment plan in collaboration with other team members, utilizing current information to improve patient care.

(10%)* Processes physician/provider orders and performs physician ordered care accurately, completely and in a timely manner. Follows up regarding medication changes and order clarifications.

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Regularly assesses patients/clients needs and provides skilled nursing services as prescribed by the physician authorized plan of care, and accepted standards of nursing practice.

Possesses a thorough knowledge of normal pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative routine and conveys this information to both patient and family in a relaxed empathetic, reassuring manner.

Demonstrates a good basic knowledge of anesthetic agents and their side effects/complications.

Demonstrates the ability to interpret information and reports pertinent data to the physician, including pertinent clinical information.

Possesses thorough knowledge of individual physician preference regarding discharge instructions.

Demonstrates appropriate communication and assessment skills with both family and patient.

Seeks assistance of necessary support services to guarantee appropriate home care.

Assess learning needs considering readiness, ability, preferences, and cultural / spiritual variables.

Provide education to meet the individual needs and ability to learn.

Develops and maintains good working rapport with interdisciplinary personnel to meet the needs of each patient.

Demonstrates the ability to organize and prioritize the needs of groups of patients or an individual patient.

Demonstrates a general ability to manage assignments and perform routine duties on the unit.

Instructs other team members when appropriate, explaining goals and rationale for individualized care.

Implements clinical and technical aspects of care in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Demonstrates understanding of clinical pathways and utilizes appropriately.

Remains calm and efficient when working in stressful situations.

Documents in an accurate, clear, and concise way and includes pertinent clinical data.

Shares information and reports significant changes and/or abnormal findings to appropriate team members.

Participates in regulatory surveys.

Assures compliance with regulatory agencies standards such as The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare Services (CMS), and Michigan Department of Public Health.

Participates in staff development by attending in-services, completing net learning modules, attending educational opportunities, and preceptorships.

Participates in the performance improvement activities.

Assists with orientation and ongoing competencies.

Provides a safe and secure environment for patient care.

Attend and participate in professional association activities and programs to assure being current on regulations, guidelines, and professional standards.

Remains current on new developments by reading professional journals and attending seminars.

Demonstrates understanding of role in emergency preparedness procedures.

Demonstrates assessment of pain, promotes comfort through required intervention, and documents accordingly.

May be required to cross train to other areas of the surgical services department as determined by the needs of the department.

Takes call and responds in a timely manner.

Other duties as assigned.

*Credential: BLS: Basic Life Support
Equivalent Experience: Required within 1 month of hire or transfer.

Qualification Source: AHA

*Credential: ACLS: Advanced Cardiac Life Support
Equivalent Experience: Required within one month of hire or transfer.

Qualification Source: AHA

*Credential: PALS: Ped Advance Life Support
Equivalent Experience: Required within twelve months of hire or transfer.

Qualification Source: AHA

*Credential: RN: Registered Nurse
Equivalent Experience: 

Qualification Source: MI

*Credential: FINGERPRIN: Fingerprinting
Equivalent Experience: 

Education: Associates Degree
Equivalent Experience: Bachelors Degree in nursing preferred.

Education Specialization:

EXPERIENCE, TRAINING AND SKILLS:

• Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
• Basic knowledge of surgical process including pre?, intra?, and post-operative phases.
• MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.
• Certification in perianesthesia nursing: CAPA (Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse) at time of hire preferred.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute if required for your position.
• Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
• Overall vision and hearing is necessary with or without assisted device(s).
• Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or crouching.
• Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.
• Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.
• Physical Demand Level: Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently 34-66% of the workday 20 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls and constantly (67-100% or the workday) 10 lbs.