Surgicenter -RN-Pre-Op-FT

Job Title: Registered Nurse, Preoperative Area

Status: Full Time

Hours:  Variable

Reports to:  Team Leader/ Surgicenter Director

Purpose of Job:  Responsible for the delivery of safe, effective, and quality patient-family centered care in the Pre-op area and other areas of perioperative services for all patient populations.

Qualifications: 

1. Must be a graduate from an accredited school of nursing with a current Tennessee nursing license
2. Basic Life Support certified required; ACLS & PALS recommended.
3. Previous experience in a Preop setting (1 year minimum) recommended.
4. Must be in overall good health with satisfactory hearing and eyesight; must be able to bend reach, and lift 50 lbs. using good body mechanics.
5. Must be able to work forty (40) hours per week and overtime as deemed necessary by the supervisor
6. Must be self-motivated, professional and maintain a positive attitude
7. Must have good verbal and written communication skills

Primary Responsibilities: 

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

2. Assesses patient’s pre-operative status at intervals according to facility or health care organization policies   and procedures to include the patient’s

a. cardiovascular system,

b. respiratory system and airway management needs,

c. neurological system,

d. hemodynamic stability,

e. pain and comfort needs, and

f. mental status.

3. Interprets information accurately from various noninvasive and invasive monitors.

4. Describes the physiology associated with various anesthesia techniques and surgical or procedural interventions.

6. Develops an individualized pre-anesthesia plan of care.

7. Administers 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.

8. Performs interventions to protect patient from infection.
9.  Assesses 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.
10. Involves patient or designated support person actively in decisions affecting his or her pre-operative plan of care.
11. Protects patient’s rights, dignity, and privacy.
12. Provides age-specific, culturally competent, ethical care within legal standards of practice.
13. Provides consistent and comparable care regardless of the setting.
14. Evaluates the patient’s progress toward attaining outcomes.
15. Transfers care as needed.
16. Completes veni-punctures
17. Reports physical findings or changes to physician or CRNA
18. Responsible for receiving and dispensing narcotics
19. Is knowledgeable of OSHA guidelines
20. Delegates tasks according to the state Nurse Practice Act (if applicable), state board of nursing or   professional registration requirements, state laws, and job descriptions.
21. Documents nursing care completely, accurately, and legibly.
22. Collaborates effectively with other disciplines as needed.
23. Participates in quality review and performance improvement projects.
24. Participates in the performance appraisal process.
25. Uses critical thinking, problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships with team members.
26. Maintains required competencies.
27. Pursues professional growth.
28. Communicates pertinent information and suggestions to team leader.
29. Prioritizes tasks by importance and demand.
30. Follows employee handbook guidelines in regards to sick time, vacation, and dress code.
31. Assists with orientation of new personnel.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

1. Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions
2. Physically demanding, high-stress environment
3. Variety of standing, walking, lifting, bending, stooping, twisting
4. Must be able to stand 6-8 hours/day
5. Hand and eye coordination
6. Manual and finger dexterity
7. Corrected vision and hearing to within normal range
8. Pushing and pulling heavy objects
9. Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds
10. Working irregular hours
11. This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements.  Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve