Surgical Preadmission Nurse

Principal Functions: Functions under the general supervision and direction of the Director of Surgical Services. Provides assessment, patient surveillance, and arranges for timely administration of physicians orders to prepare patients for procedures scheduled for by calling patients to acquire pertinent information. Relates effectively with other departments and staff for continuity of care. Maintains satisfactory relations with physicians, physician office members, other departments and nursing units. Participates in all phases of education, maintenance of records, and upgrading of policies, procedures, and skills of personnel as directed and needed. Helps to complete chart audits and compliance as directed and assigned. Position Duties: 1. Initiates contact with patients within 2 weeks of a scheduled procedure. Communicates effectively and professionally. Interactions are to be respectful and courteous at all times, using a translator when necessary. Completes all documentation electronically and information received from the patient is disseminated to the appropriate people or departments. 2. Interacts appropriately with various age groups. Accurately assesses and interprets age-specific patient data. Accurately interprets age-specific patient responses to questions and instructions. Provides plan of care appropriate to the patient's age group. 3. Develops a plan for patient care based on assessment data; implements and documents preoperative care according to Facility policy. Informs patient about routine care and procedures related to the procedural experience. 4. Checks for labs, X-Rays, EKGs, previous procedural reports, and History & Physicals, as ordered, places in electronic medical record and supplies copies for the chart, as indicated. 5. Notify Anesthesiologist when lab results are abnormal. Review abnormal reports and histories with anesthesia, as indicated. Report any recommendations by Anesthesia to Surgeons, as ordered. 6. Prepares patient charts with necessary forms and information required prior to date of surgery. 7. Communicate with doctors offices as needed for questions or requests for records. 8. Upload any additional files into the electronic record from other programs required for care of the patient, as requested. 9. Provides a courtesy call to patients to remind them of their scheduled procedure, report time, and preparation requirements the day before. 10. Contributes to the progress and development of the approved Quality Management Program. Supports risk management and participates in programs directed to patient and staff safety. 11. Contributes to the quality management process; identifies role and contributions to functional teams; participates in data collection. Objectively evaluates suggestions, grievances, and processes to identify opportunities to improve performance and quality of care. 12. Assists with orientation, education, and training of new personnel and staff. 13. Adheres to safety policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilities. Reports observed or suspected violations, hazards, and noncompliance according to Facility policy. Responds to emergency situations with competence and composure. 14. Effectively organizes time, equipment, supplies, and personnel. Organizes nursing activities efficiently; considers staff abilities when delegating activities. 15. Uses equipment effectively by anticipating patient needs and providing appropriate care. 16. Confirms that proper techniques and procedures are used according to accepted standards of practice. 17. Assists in infection control and prevention activities as directed and assigned. 18. Assists with the training of hospital personnel, including, but not limited to, planning and participating in skills trainings, in-services, orientation, and annual skills and competency trainings. 19. Maintains a professional approach with confidentiality. Assures protection and privacy of health information as attained through written, electronic or oral disclosures. 20. Displays concern and initiative. Is resourceful and calm in emergencies. 21. Is prompt and efficient with minimal absences. 22. Cooperates and maintains good rapport with nursing staff, medical staff, other departments, and visitors. 23. Seeks guidance and remains knowledgeable of, and complies with, all applicable federal and state laws, as well as hospital polices that apply to assigned duties. Requirements Education: Must be a graduate from an accredited school of nursing. BSN preferred. Experience: Prefer 10 years of RN experience in a surgical setting. Licensure: Currently licensed in the State of Indiana as a Registered Nurse. CPR certification within 180 days of hire. Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary in order to instruct and comfort patients and their families. Maintain effective contacts with a variety of Hospital Personnel. Must demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient served on assigned unit/department. Require constant and frequent judgment and response; occasionally in response to disasters or emergencies, actual events or drills. Computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office Products. Ability to learn and train others on computer software related to the position and duties. Working Conditions The employee may be exposed to blood borne pathogens, infectious diseases, and other hazardous wastes, (i.e. Hepatitis, Aids, Tuberculosis). Proper precautions will be taught and provided by the hospital. Frequent exposure to chemical hazards; may encounter radiation hazards. The position requires a considerable amount of walking, stooping, pulling, lifting, feeling, hearing, and repetitive motions. Ability to move quickly in response to physician and patient needs, to stand for long periods, occasional overhead and low reaching, and to exert force of up to 50 lbs. occasionally, up to 20 lbs. frequently and/or up to 10 lbs. constantly. Patient care activities may require the ability to lift of up to 30 lbs. constantly, up to 40 lbs. occasionally and up to 100 lbs. rarely.