Rn-Preo/Pacu

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide and coordinate exceptional patient care in Pre-Operative testing and assessment clinic for Artesia General Hospital, (AGH) in an environment where quality, respect, caring, and compassion are at the center of all that we do.

• The Pre-Operative Testing Nurse is accountable for the coordination of pre-operative/procedure testing and assessment, within the Pre-Operative testing arena.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• The position is accountable to the Perioperative Services Director and the Preoperative/ PACU Charge Nurse.

• He/She will coordinate and provide effective team participation and leadership within a multidisciplinary team.

• Assists with the provision of expert clinical care with a mainly ambulatory patient population, working closely with consultants, secretaries, the Admitting department and many ancillary departments in the coordination and deliver of Pre-Operative/Procedural testing.

• She/He will work within the current nursing practice in accordance with AHG guidelines, assist with ongoing education of staff members, patients and their families.

• Assists in the development and implementation of a Pre-Operative/Procedure testing and assessment program to include patient care protocols, documentation tools, reporting of abnormal lab values,

• Radiological readings, or ECG abnormalities.

• Coordinates pre-operative education with (Bone and Joint Center) and with ancillary departments, including Physical therapy, Radiology and Lab.

• Works collaboratively with the Bone and Joint Center Program RN Coordinator, and functions in a support capacity for the service line.

• Works collaboratively with the Preop/ PACU Charge Nurse, and cross covers this department for annual leave, sick time, etc.

• Performs related duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILL/ABILITIES:

• Basic computer skills

• Basic knowledge and function of pre-operative patient admission requirements and PACU functions.

• Direct and be accountable for the nursing care of patients in the Pre-

Operative/procedure Testing clinic and relevant healthcare settings.

• Ability to teach and share knowledge with a multidisciplinary team involved in patient

through-put and preparation for surgery/procedures.

• Computer literacy is necessary, with the ability to work with several applications,

including CPSI, PACS, and Microsoft.

• Ability to multi-task with telephone communication and computer charting.

• Strong empathy when dealing with patients and family undergoing surgical interventions.

• Good interpersonal communication skills.

• Actively strive to develop multidisciplinary communication, collaboration and team

work across the departments and within the relevant healthcare environment with

regard to Pre-Operative/procedural preparation and throughput.

• Provide a high level of professional and clinical education based in evidence based care.

• Note: knowledge, skills, and Abilities that pertain to your position

AGE-RELATED COMPETENCIES:

• Demonstrates and understanding and needed skills necessary to identify age-specific patient needs

Information Management:

• Treats all information and data within the scope of the position with appropriate confidentiality and security.

Risk Management/Quality Management/Safety:

• Cooperates fully in all Risk Management, Quality Management, and Safety Activities and Investigations.

MINIMUM POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education

• High School Diploma or GED, Graduate from an accredited school of Nursing

• Work Experience

• Two years of relevant experience with the Preoperative/PAC\U environment preferred

• Training: Attend sessions provided by service technician and suppliers

• License/Certification RN, BLS, ACLS, PALS

ENVIROMENTAL CONDITIONS:

• Work environment is located in a comfortable indoor area.

• Conditions such as noise, odors, cramped workspace and/or fumes could sometimes cause discomfort.

• Shift work may be required.

• Alertness and careful attention to detail will be required to avoid injury.

• May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, radiation,

chemotherapeutic agents, and disoriented or combative patients.

• May be required to be on standby and work extended shifts in situations deemed

necessary by a designated PACU Charge Nurse and/or Perioperative Director.

• Utilizes effective time management skills.

• Participates in unit/department problem solving and improvement of systems.

• Adheres to Standard Precautions as appropriate.

• The use of protective barriers as appropriate.

• Handling and disposing of infectious waste appropriately.

• Hand hygiene as appropriate.

Inter-relationships/ Communication and Accountability.

• Maintains good working relationships with other departments and with physicians, patients, families and outside agencies.

• Communicates during the shift with the PACU Charge Nurse, Perioperative Director and or the Chief Clinical Officer.

• Demonstrates the ability to delegate tasks and responsibilities.

• Participates in ongoing consultation and collaboration with physicians and other care providers to maximize patient outcomes and unit specific goals.

• Participates in unit-based and interdepartmental QI activities.

• Demonstrates willingness to assist co-workers whenever needed

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Moderate to extreme physical effort may be required such as walking, standing and lifting materials, equipment, objects, and/or patients.

• Occasional lifting may be heavy and awkward, over 50 lbs.

• Vision, hearing, talking, and sense of touch abilities must be adequate enough to enable one to quickly and accurately perform tasks such as: reading small print, reading from

monitoring equipment, defining details, sending and receiving clear and accurate verbal

communication. Frequent periods of concentrated or focused attention will be needed to

interpret visual, auditory, and sensory inputs.