Pre/Post PACU

Position Title:  Preop / PACU RN                          Reports To:  Clinical Director

Position Summary:

Assists the Preop/PACU Charge Nurse in the daily clinical operations of the Preop/PACU in accordance with established Federal, State, and accreditation standards and center policies and procedures.  Participates in direct patient care including maintaining a clean, orderly and safe environment.

Minimum Requirements: 

Education/Experience/Licenses/Certificates/Eligibility:  Current California RN license, BCLS and ACLS required.  Two (2) years experience of clinical experience with an emphasis in PACU, surgery or ER required.  Knowledge of regulatory standards

• Eligibility:  All employees must be able to provide proof of their identity and their right to work in the United States.

Skills/Knowledge/Ability:

• Interpersonal:  Maintains active professional relationships with physicians and patients by assessing needs and levels of satisfaction with surgery center services.  Effective communication skills:  oral and written.  Above average organizational skills.  Demonstrates a positive, friendly, and courteous manner.  Serves as a role model to other staff nurses and technicians.  Assists in the orientation and training of new employees.

• Critical Thinking:  Above average ability to plan and implement patient care.  Ability to make sound nursing judgment based on nursing theory.  Demonstrates primary nurse accountability through coordination, communication, and continuity of patient care.  Must be able to assess, prioritize, plan and implement direct patient care.  Assumes responsibility for competency of practice and takes initiative for professional development and continuing education.

• Knowledge:  Working knowledge and experience in PACU from hospital or surgery center including direct patient care.  Ability to adhere to work schedule and manage time appropriately.  Ability to utilize resources in a timely, organized and cost effective manner.

• Machines, Equipment, Work Aides:  Telephone and fax. Knowledge of patient monitoring equipment.

• Physical Demands / Work Environment:   See the Physical Demand Analysis form for information specific to this position.
  

Essential Competencies / Performance Expectations:

• Clinical Skills
  • Assesses patient/significant others understanding of disease process and need for surgical intervention.
  • Performs preoperative patient assessment, reviews surgeon preference card, assesses equipment/supply needs, prepares operating room, ensures availability of needed supplies and equipment and proper and safe working order.
  • Provides safe medication administration.
  • Manipulates patient position appropriate to surgical intervention, using positioning aids as needed to avoid impaired circulation, respiration, and postoperative pain/discomfort.
  • Performs pre/post operative teaching to patient/significant other.
  • Demonstrates appropriate nursing management and intervention preoperatively and post operatively.
  • Assess the patient for level of recovery from anesthesia.
  • Provides effective airway management postoperatively.
  • Assesses and manages postoperative complications such as nausea and vomiting.
  • Provides wound assessment and management to ensure uncomplicated wound healing.
  • Provides safe medication administration.
  • Manages patient complications/emergencies preoperatively and postoperatively.
  • Manages and documents controlled substance inventory.
  • Utilizes aseptic technique and infection control principles to establish and maintain intravenous access.
  • Reports significant patient information to medical staff appropriately.
  • Demonstrates skill and knowledge in providing appropriate patient care across the age span.
  • Demonstrates compliance with abuse reporting responsibilities.
  • Handles and documents specimens per policy.
  • Demonstrates knowledge and skill in caring for the latex sensitive patient
  • Assures emergency equipment and supplies are available at all times.
  • Keeps surgical suites clean, tidy, free of soiled equipment and supplies, and properly stocked.

• Uses principles of asepsis in varying situations
• Initiates corrective action when breaks in technique occur.
• Wears appropriate attire in restricted area.
• Adheres to recommended traffic patterns.

• Demonstrates appropriate care for the patient experiencing pain.
  • Documents pain history and assessment.
  • Demonstrates techniques to relieve patient’s pain.
  • Evaluates effectiveness of technique used.
  • Provides patient/family teaching for the management of the patient experiencing pain.
  • Documents patient response during recovery.
  • Facilitates actions and activities that support accountability to practice.
  • Identifies and initiates problem resolution.
  • Actively participates, develops, and implements activities and measures promoting quality care.

• Equipment Management

• Demonstrates appropriate protocol for safe use and handling of equipment
• Capable of trouble shooting equipment problems.
• Verbalizes knowledge of risks and complications.
• Reports malfunctioning equipment to appropriate personnel.

• • Demonstrates awareness of protocol for malfunctioning equipment and repair.
  • Provides for equipment and supplies based on patient needs
  • Anticipates the need for equipment and supplies based on surgeon preference.
  • Selects equipment and supplies in an organized, cost effective and timely manner.
  • Assures all equipment is functioning before use and removes any malfunctioning equipment.
  • Demonstrates skill in appropriate use of instruments and equipment.
  • Operates mechanical, electrical, and air-powered equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions.

• Medical Records
  • Demonstrates knowledge of medical record policy and procedure in management of patient information.
  • Participates in medical records TQM.

• Communication
  • Listens respectfully, gives feedback directly, honestly and talks with others to clarify differences.
  • Utilizes translation services when needed.
  • Utilizes appropriate services when needed to communicate with employees and patients with speech and hearing disorders.
  • Effectively communicates and interacts with patients, their family, and other external and internal clients (including fellow employees) from diverse backgrounds.

• Quality

• • Demonstrates a willingness to look at new ideas and work in a changing environment.
  • Understands, verbalizes and participates in the quality improvement process.
  • Supports initiatives designed to improve individual and organizational performance.