Description JOB SUMMARY The Pre-operative / Post-operative nurse is a professional Registered Nurse (RN) who administers care to patients undergoing a surgical or endoscopy procedure. Providing pre-procedure admission and post-anesthesia care via interviewing, monitoring, assessment, and providing intervention to patients assigned to his/her scope of care. This RN must effectively prescribe, delegate, and coordinate nursing care for patients undergoing general, regional and local anesthesia.
Assess patients prior to surgery. Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records by reviewing the patient’s medical history. Ensure that operative and informed consents are signed.
Provide instructions for pre-operative and post-operative care information. Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols, medication administration and storage procedures, and controlled substance regulations. Initiate IV’s, ensure pre-testing results are complete and available.
Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, or evaluate patient care needs. Prepare patients for and assist with prepping patients for procedures, i.e. shaving, cleaning surgical area if applicable. Maintain patient confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential.
Ability to manage co-morbid conditions as applicable. Perform 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. 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.
Maintain a safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations; calling for assistance from health care support personnel. Maintain a cooperative relationship among health care teams by communicating information; responding to requests; building rapport. Maintain regular and predictable attendance.
Demonstrates ability to assist providers with procedures. Implements patient care according to planned interventions to attain the patient’s optimal level of function and documents according to policy. Routinely participates in QI projects and encourages the department to continuously improve.
Assists co-workers as needed/requested. Support the mission, vision, and values of the organization. Demonstrates positive customer service relations.
Perform other essential duties as assigned. Requirements EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS High school diploma or equivalent. Graduate of accredited school of professional nursing.
Currently licensed to practice as a professional registered nurse (RN) in the state of Missouri Previous post anesthesia care experience preferred. Current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS required. Current American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS or obtain within 6 months of hire.
Current PALS or obtain within 6 months of hire. Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work within the established policies, procedures and practices prescribed by the hospital. PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS Must be able to sit and stand, intermittent 8 to 10 hours a day.
Must be able to use standard office equipment, including the telephone and computer keyboard. Continuously works under pressure of near 100% accuracy while meeting inflexible deadlines. Continuously utilizes manual/bi-manual dexterity, near vision, speech, and hearing.
Physically demanding, high-stress environment. Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals and other hazardous materials Frequently stands, walks, sits and utilizes eye/hand coordination and color definition. Frequently reaches above shoulder, regularly required to lift and/or carry up to 50 lbs.
Working irregular hours, including call hours. Occasionally walks on uneven surfaces.