Short Stay Rn Nights - Pt

JOB TITLE: Short Stay Registered Nurse, Night coverage

A professional who provides patient care based upon the nursing process; being effectively involved with maintaining the standard of care for assigned patients through assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation. The Registered Nurse shall oversee and guide employees that are under his/her supervision. To act as patient advocate, providing continuity of care designed to meet individual patient needs through collaboration with other members of the health care team at the Center.  Supports the philosophy, objectives and goals of the Center. The registered nurse will ensure quality care to the individual patients pre-operatively including, but not limited to geriatric, adult, pediatric and adolescent patients.

General Summary of Duties: 

Assists in the provision of nursing care to patients in an Ambulatory Surgical Center setting. Assesses the physical and emotional needs of patients and implements appropriate nursing interventions. Respects patient's right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality.

Assists the patient to undress, if the patient needs assistance, and gives locker assignment to patient's family. Follows appropriate nursing policies and procedures. Performs post-operative instruction and explanation according to facility policy and procedure. Is knowledgeable about and responsive to emergency situations, i.e. cardiac arrest, malignant hyperthermia, drug reaction, fire, disaster etc.

Reports and completes appropriate forms for incidents related to patients, visitors, and employees. Attends and participates in staff meetings and staff development programs, including mandatory ones. Assists with all other duties as the need arises or as assigned. Sets priorities to facilitate the timely and efficient flow of patients throughout the day. Prepares and restocks the Pre-Operative/PACU area for the following day. Prepares patients for Discharge from the center, and/or discharges the patient's within a timely manner from the facility. 

Requirements:

• Licensure as Registered Nurse in the State of Texas
• Current CPR and ACLS certification, required
• Current PALS, preferred
• Previous experience in care of post anesthesia/surgical patients (Med Surg RN), preferred 
• Demonstrates ability to stand and/or walk at least five hours per day
• Demonstrates ability to lift and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis
• Demonstrates ability to push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis
• Demonstrates cooperative work attitude toward and with co-employees, management, patients, visitors and physicians.

Qualifications/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Demonstrates competency in the care of patients.
• Uses common sense and special nursing skills to care for the post surgical patient
• Understands information from supervisors, charts, reference books, manuals, and labels.
• Must have good computer skills.
• Communicates with people when they are sick, handicapped or nervous and works quickly and efficiently in an emergency.
• Changes from one duty to another frequently, follows reasonable instructions, and records information accurately.
• Sets priorities, makes decisions based on available data and supervises others.
• Remains current in continuing education in both the nursing profession and in the field of specialty.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Performs patient assessment on all assigned patients in the department. Assesses new patients in a timely manner. Provides ADLs and course of care for all patients. Reevaluates patients' status throughout shift as necessary. 
• Maintains knowledge of medication most commonly used in practice area. Where applicable correctly administers medications, including IV push medications and emergency drugs. Calculates dosage IV medications. Monitors vital signs and observes patient for possible medication reactions.
• Ensure that proper equipment and supplies are used for tasks to be performed and that no wasting of supplies takes place, reports broken equipment or unsafe conditions in assigned area.
• Prepares, responds and follows up appropriately to emergency situations. Recognizes need for and initiates resuscitation; interprets basic arrhythmia and administers appropriate treatment, including emergency therapy and defibrillation as per (ACLS) protocol.
• Administers direct patient care, monitors vital signs and other signs and symptoms to assure medical stability. Demonstrates competency in caring for patients in all age groups. Aids physician by providing information or assistance during treatments and examinations of patients.
• Follows proper protocol for transferring patients to another facility by completing all the necessary paperwork to include Transfer Documentation. Patient Transfers to other Institutions; verifies physician order, completes general transfer paperwork, completes any additional documentation needed. Calls outside facility and transport for patient.
• Keeps patient, family and visitors informed of changes in patient condition and plan of care. Provides patients and family members with necessary education and discharge instructions.
• Thoroughly and accurately completes all documentation.
• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of and enforces facility routines, policies, protocols, and procedures.
• Performs all other tasks/responsibilities as necessary.