RN Pain Management

Job Description

Job Description

Position Summary

The Pre-Op / PACU Registered Nurse is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and coordinating patient care from admission to discharge. The RN is accountable for achieving patient outcomes through the implementation of critical pathways and adhering to the facility's philosophy, standards of practice, and governing regulations.

Essential Functions

• Ability to correlate clinical data with patient's medical and nursing care.
• Ability to set priorities to facilitate the efficient flow of patients to the OR and PACU.
• Ability to provide clear and concise direction to others to promote efficiency in clinical areas.
• Strong communication skills with patients, families, teammates, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Assesses, plans, evaluates, and ensures the implementation of patient care from admission to discharge to achieve identified outcomes.
• Demonstrates the ability to direct and provide patient care in emergency situations per physician and administrative policies.
• Participates in the orientation and training of new nursing staff.
• Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and competence in skills identified for the position.
• Promotes physical comfort, emotional support, and safety for patients and their families.
• Verifies surgical / procedure site with the patient, obtains consents, reconciles medications, and reviews discharge instructions.
• Accurately completes and audits nursing documentation for each patient.
• Initiates IV access and administers pre-operative medications per physician orders.
• Reviews and updates physician's pre-operative and post-operative orders and instructions.
• Practices and monitors aseptic techniques.
• Respects the patient’s right to privacy, dignity, and confidentiality.
• Positions the patient with attention to body alignment, airway maintenance, and circulation.
• Maintains, stocks, and replenishes supplies for both pre-operative and PACU departments. Notifies appropriate staff to order supplies as needed.
• Assists physicians and anesthesia personnel as needed.
• Performs pre-operative and post-operative phone calls to patients, obtains pre-anesthesia assessments, reviews pre-op instructions, and follows up after surgery.
• Operates, cleans, and cares for equipment according to procedure.
• Checks and documents that defibrillators and all emergency equipment are in working order each morning.
• Ensure that all necessary medications are available each morning and communicates with Leadership or Materials Manager if any medications need to be ordered.
• Performs a correct narcotic count with another RN or licensed personnel at the beginning and end of the day.

Other Related Functions

Education / Training

Licensure / Certification

Experience