PRE-OPERATIVE / RECOVERY REGISTERED NURSE (RN) – PRN

Main Function:

Responsible for conducting preoperative testing and patient counseling.  Also performs nursing care for the patient in the immediate postoperative/post-anesthesia period, assessing and documenting patient’s status upon arrival to the recovery room.   Provides nursing care to meet patient needs related to surgical condition and type of anesthesia administered, monitoring patient and informing surgeon or anesthetist of observed complications.

 Professional Competence:

• Participates in continuing education and other learning experiences
• Shares knowledge gained with Staff
• Maintains membership in relevant professional organizations
• Seeks new learning experiences by accepting challenging opportunities and responsibilities
• Develops teaching programs as requested for use in surgical or medical management, safety, health awareness, and enhancement of patient care
• Monitors the patient education and counseling programs to assess quality and areas for improvement
• Welcomes suggestions and recommendations

Duties:

• Effectively organizes time, equipment, supplies and personnel
• Uses equipment effectively by anticipating patient needs and providing appropriate care
• Organizes nursing activities efficiently and effectively considering staff abilities when delegating activities
• Confirms that proper techniques and procedures are used to accepted standards of practice
• Assists in inventory of supplies, drugs, and equipment to maintain availability and stock levels in the preoperative area
• Maintains order and cleanliness of preoperative area
• Performs thorough preoperative patient assessment required in the outpatient setting
• Assists in assessing the physical and emotional status of the patient prior to admission
• Describes the perioperative experience to the patient/significant other, including what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, and how the significant other will participate
• Obtains pertinent patient records prior to patient’s arrival for preoperative testing
• Performs all preoperative testing (i.e., laboratory work, electrocardiogram, x-rays, etc.)
• Performs safe and individualized nursing care for the patient in the immediate postoperative/post-anesthesia period
• Reports all abnormal values to anesthesiologist/attending surgeon
• Explains informed consent for surgery, patient’s rights/responsibilities, and preoperative/postoperative instructions and obtains required signatures
• Informs patient about routine care and procedures related to the preoperative experience
• Discusses all findings with anesthesiologist prior to anesthesiologist’s preoperative evaluation of patient
• Performs thorough post-operative patient assessment prior to discharge of the patient
• Reviews post-operative instructions and prescriptions from the surgeon with patient and significant other and documents in the patient’s medical record
• Provides comfort and reassurance to the patient and supports the patient’s right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality
• Documents preoperative care according to policy and procedure
• Ensures the patient’s chart is complete on day before the surgery is scheduled

Requirements:

• High School graduate or GED certification
• Graduate of accredited School of Nursing
• Registered Nurse (RN) with active license in appropriate State
• CPR Certification
• Evidence of leadership qualities
• Strong ethical and moral character references
• Language skills adequate for high-level written, interpersonal and telephone communication in American English
• ACLS Certification preferred
• ASC experience
• Computer literacy