PRN-RN, PACU

PRN: PRE/POSTOPERATIVE REGISTERED NURSE JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB SUMMARY

Provides planned, skilled nursing care for patients in the critical preoperative and postoperative periods. Provides continuous patient surveillance for early recognition and immediate emergency treatment of medical or surgical complications that may arise in any postoperative patient.

RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: Nursing Supervisor; Administrator; Physician

Supervises: Licensed Practical Nurses; ancillary personnel assigned to pre/postoperative area

QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing required

Current state licensure required

Experience in postoperative or critical care area preferred

MENTAL DEMANDS

Requires constant and frequent judgment and response; occasionally in response to disasters or emergencies, actual events, or drills. Requires English language skills adequate for high-level written and interpersonal communication.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Requires high-level visual and auditory acuity for timely response and patient care assessment activities. Ability to move quickly in response to physician and patient needs, to stand for long periods, occasional overhead and low reaching, and to exert force of up to 50 lbs. occasionally, up to 20 lbs. frequently and/or up to 10 lbs. constantly. Patient care activities may require the ability to exert force of up to 30 lbs. constantly, up to 40 lbs. occasionally and up to 100 lbs. rarely.

OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE

Category I exposure to bloodborne pathogens; frequent exposure to chemical hazards; may encounter radiation hazards.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND OBJECTIVES Supports the philosophy, goals, and objectives of the Facility. Supports, and performs according to, approved policies and procedures.

• Supports risk management and participates in programs directed to patient and staff safety.
• Considers patient rights in the performance of job duties and responsibilities.
• Contributes to the quality management process; identifies role and contributions upon request.
• Participates as a team member in support of the total perioperative process.
• Adheres to safety policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilities. Reports observed or suspected violations, hazards, and noncompliance according to Facility policy.
• Observes safety measures in performance of job duties and responsibilities.
• Responds to emergency situations with competence and composure.
• Communicates effectively with patients, visitors, physicians, and co‑workers. Interactions are respectful and courteous.
• Communicates effectively and professionally using a translator when necessary.
• Documents that information received from the patient is disseminated to the appropriate people or areas.
• Accurately assesses and interprets age-specific patient data and responses to questions and instructions.
• Considers age-specific patient requirements when responding to emergency situations.
• Maintains and promotes professional competence through continuing education and other learning experiences. Seeks new learning experiences by accepting challenging opportunities and responsibilities.
• Objectively evaluates suggestions or criticisms and attempts to improve performance or seeks further guidance as needed.
• Attends and actively participates in meetings, committees, inservices, seminars, workshops, conferences, quality management activities according to job responsibilities and Facility requirements.
• Provides effective and efficient supervisory activities necessary for patient care. Coordinates daily personnel assignments with the Nursing Supervisor.
• Assists in coordinating patient care activities with medical staff and health care team members to provide for continuity of patient care.
• Assists nursing staff in identifying and solving nursing care problems.
• Assists with nursing activities during emergencies.
• Participates in primary care of patients as needed and makes rounds as indicated to verify that patient needs are met.
• Enforces the implementation of nursing practice standards to provide quality patient care.
• Effectively organizes time, equipment, supplies, and personnel. Organizes nursing activities efficiently; considers staff abilities when delegating activities.
• Uses equipment effectively by anticipating patient needs and providing appropriate care.
• Confirms that proper techniques and procedures are used according to accepted standards of practice.
• Assists with inventory of supplies, drugs, and equipment to maintain availability and stock levels in pre/postoperative areas.
• Considers cost-effectiveness in the provision of care.
• Maintains order and cleanliness of pre/postoperative areas.
• Provides effective and efficient supervisory activities necessary for patient care. Coordinates daily personnel assignments with the Nursing Supervisor.
• Assists in coordinating patient care activities with medical staff and health care team members to provide for continuity of patient care.
• Assists nursing staff in identifying and solving nursing care problems.
• Assists with nursing activities during emergencies.
• Participates in primary care of patients as needed and makes rounds as indicated to verify that patient needs are met.
• Enforces the implementation of nursing practice standards to provide quality patient care.
• Performs thorough preoperative patient assessment required by the outpatient setting. Assists in assessing the physical and emotional status of the patient upon admission according to Facility policy.
• Develops a plan for patient care based on assessment data; implements and documents preoperative care according to Facility policy.
• Informs patient and family about routine care and procedures related to the perioperative experience.
• Provides comfort and reassurance to the patient and supports the patient's right to privacy, dignity, and confidentiality.
• Performs safe and individualized nursing care for the patient in the immediate postoperative period. Assesses and documents the patient's physical and emotional status upon arrival in the post-operative area.
• Documents postoperative care and identity of second person in the postoperative area during the patient's recovery from anesthesia/sedation according to Facility policy.
• Provides nursing care to meet patient needs related to surgical condition and type of anesthesia administered.

I have read the Pre/Postoperative Registered Nurse Job Description and understand the functions and objectives of the position at this Facility.

Employee's Signature Date

Pay: $28.00 - $50.00 per hour

Medical specialties:

• Surgery

Physical setting:

• Outpatient

Standard shift:

• Day shift

Weekly schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Nursing: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• RN (Required)
• License (Required)

Work Location: In person