Registered Nurse - Post Anesthesia/Recovery

Job Summary

• Provides direct patient care to pediatric through geriatric patient populations. Addresses the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care related to the surgical environment. Communicates with surgeon and anesthesiologist continuously and as needed about patient condition. Assists with the maintenance of surgical equipment and inventory. Participates in performance improvement activities. Assesses operating room for equipment functioning and readiness, obtains supplies for individual cases and ensures all appropriate needs of surgical operating team are met. Monitors, positions, and assists patient during procedure.

Job Specifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Currently licensed RN in the state of Illinois by the Illinois Department of Professional Regulation. Must maintain current ACLS, PALS and CPR certifications.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:

• Is knowledgeable regarding nursing policies and procedures, PPE's universal precautions, duties listed in the disaster manuals and MSDS sheets. The patient populations must be considered when addressing job knowledge required from the employee.

ABILITIES, INTERESTS AND TEMPERAMENTS:

• Verbal ability is needed to interpret and understand the physician's orders and communicate with other caregivers regarding care of the patient, as well as to present educational information to patients, staff and the public as needed.
• Numerical ability is needed to ensure correct dosages of medication.
• Clinical perception is needed to assess patient and correctly interpret data.
• Clerical perception is needed to verify correct transcription of physician's orders.
• Computer skills: order entry, information retrieval, mandatory inservicing and other skills as technology progresses.
• Finger dexterity is needed for, but not limited to, handling medical equipment, giving IM medications, assembling IV lines and for different physical exams.
• The ability to accept directions and follow through with a plan of care.
• A preference for scientific and technical activities is required to set up and adapt medical equipment to the patient's needs and apply the physiological affects of the therapy and procedures to the patient's clinical state.
• Ability to apply critical thinking skills to assess the situation and alter nursing care map as needed.
• A preference for the use of processes and techniques is necessary to follow the nursing policies and procedures to ensure standard of care.
• Ability to adapt and prioritize during emergency situations.
• Must have the ability to work with a variety of patients of all populations (e.g. developmentally appropriate care, cultural diversity, patients with pain, victims of abuse or neglect, and diagnosis or procedure specific such as patient with congestive heart failure or cesarean delivery).