Pre-Op PACU Registered Nurse-Fayetteville Surgery Center

Pre Op PACU Registered Nurse:

Position Overview: Responsible for the delivery of safe, effective, and quality patient-family centered care in the preoperative and post anesthesia care unit and other areas of perioperative services for all patient populations.

Responsibilities:

1. Support the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

2. Assess patients at intervals as stated in policies and procedures.

3. Develop an individualized perianesthesia patient plan of care.

4. Implement the plan of care including the following interventions:

a. managing patient preoperatively and during recovery from anesthesia - general, monitored anesthesia care; regional; topical, local;

b. protecting patient from injury caused by positioning, thermal sources, and extraneous objects;

c. communicating the patient's current status throughout the perianesthesia continuum of care;

d. providing acute pain and comfort management as needed;

e. administering medications correctly by implementing the 7-rights of safe medication practices (ie, right patient, right medication, right dose, right time, right route, right indication, right documentation);

f. performing interventions to maintain the integrity of the patient's wound and tissue perfusion at or above baseline levels;

g. performing interventions to maintain the status of the patient's genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems, and fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances at or above baseline levels;

h. performing interventions to ensure the patient is at or returned to normothermia at the conclusion of the immediate postoperative period;

i. performing interventions to protect patient from infection and any other harm;

j. managing patient's other co-morbid conditions as applicable;

k. managing patient's fluid intake as prescribed;

l. assessing knowledge level of patient or designated support person and providing education regarding the expected psychosocial response, nutritional management, medication management, pain and comfort management, wound management, and expected responses to the operative or invasive procedure;

m. involving patient or designated support person actively in decisions affecting his or her perioperative plan of care and the rehabilitation process;

n. protecting patient's rights, dignity, and privacy;

o. providing age-specific, culturally competent, ethical care within legal standards of practice; and

p. providing consistent and comparable care regardless of the setting.

q. performing interventions necessary to ensure that the patient's procedure is performed on the correct site, side, and level;

r. managing the patient's specimens according to organizational policy and procedures;

5. Evaluate the patient's progress toward attaining outcomes.

6. Transfer care as applicable.

7. Delegate tasks according to the state Nurse Practice Act and job descriptions.

8. Document nursing care accurately, completely, and legibly.

9. Collaborate effectively with other disciplines as applicable.

10. Participate in quality review and performance improvement projects.

11. Participate in the performance appraisal process.

12. Use problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships with team members.

13. Maintain required competencies.

14. Pursue professional growth and participates in a professional organization.

15. Act as a patient advocate and maintain privacy and confidentiality of the company, individuals, and health information.

16. Follow established, evidenced-based protocols.

17. Adhere to standard precautions including the use of appropriate hand hygiene, appropriate personal protective equipment and safe practices to ensure personal safety and a safe environment.

18. Follow safety procedures and manufacturer's instructions.

19. Operate equipment used in the operating room areas safely and according to the manufacturer's instructions for use.

20. Assist with identifying pertinent evidence to establish benchmarks as directed.

21. Comply with organizational policies, regulatory and accreditation standards, and professional guidelines.

22. Exhibit high integrity, good judgement, professionalism, and strong interpersonal and communication skills.

23. Exhibit behaviors that align with and contribute to a positive organizational culture.

24. Demonstrate a tactful, collaborative style with the ability to give and receive positive and developmental feedback.

25. Demonstrate a commitment to coworkers, patients and all stakeholders.

26. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Required:

· Graduate from an accredited school of nursing

· Current registered nurse licensure in the state of Georgia

· Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

· Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification

Preferred:

· Two years perianesthesia services experience

· Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) or Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) certification

· Computer skills (eg, Microsoft® PowerPoint, Word, Excel)

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Physically demanding, high-stress environment

· Exposure to blood and body fluids, sharp instruments and other devices, communicable diseases, chemicals, and repetitive motions

· Full range of body motion including handling and lifting instrument trays

· Manual and finger dexterity

· Hand and eye coordination

· Sitting, standing, and walking for extensive periods of time

· Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds

· Corrected vision and hearing to within normal range

· Moderate noise level

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996: Responsible for knowing the processes involved assuring the standards established by HIPAA, and ensuring they are followed including the practices and records relating to the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information.