Registered Nurse - Pre-Op/Post-Op

Job Title : Pre-Operative & Post Operative Registered Nurse

Reports To : Pre & Post-Op Nurse Manager

FLSA Status : Non-Exempt

Summary : Maintains responsibility for the admission and preparation of the patient prior to surgery. Responsible for patient assessment and education.

Maintains responsibility for competent nursing care as needed for post-anesthesia patients. Responsible for patient assessment and education during the post-operative phase of care in coordination with Anesthesiologist.

Maintains quality patient care and accurate and proper documentation of same. Cooperates with physician and all other members of the health care team to provide the best possible patient care by performing the following duties.

Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Readies the pre-op area at beginning of the day and restocks as necessary.
• Introduces self to patient and family when receptionist is through admitting.
• Verifies procedure to be done, confirms site of surgery with patient. Insures site is marked and answers any questions patients may have.
• Explains pre-op process and provides physical, emotional, and educational support to patient.
• Provides attire necessary for procedures : name bracelet with explanations, red sock, red bracelet, cap and surgical gowns.
• Initiates IV access in preparation for surgical procedure, discontinues IV prior to discharge
• Checks chart for medical record completeness, e.g. H&P, consent.
• Communicates with staff on patient’s history and surgical prep.
• Administers medication, treatments, and procedures in a competent, timely manner.
• Recognizes actual or potential problems and communicates them appropriately.
• Admits patient from operating room; receives the anesthesiologist’s report and notes general condition, vital signs, anesthesia type, and intra-operative problems.
• Assesses the patient for vital signs, level of consciousness, breath sounds, drainage and extremity color, temperature and pulses when needed.
• Maintains responsibility for altering care based on assessment.
• Reinforces post-op teaching and instructions.
• Documents vital signs per policy or as needed until patient has met discharge criteria.
• Makes post-operative telephone calls as required.
• Utilizes equipment safely and appropriately.
• Maintains patient safety and comfort.
• Assists in procedure rooms and post-operative area as required.
• Responsible to maintain case preference cards with necessary documentation.
• Exercises ability to perform CLIA waived testing.
• Maintains a clean and safe working environment.
• Participates in educational, quality improvement and staff meetings.
• Participates in the economical use of supplies.
• Registered Nurses may supervise other RNs, LPNs, Surgical Techs and PCAs as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications :

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and / or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education / Experience :

One year of medical, surgical or ICU experience preferred. Must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Must possess a current NYS Nursing license.

RNs Must be certified in BLS, ACLS and PALS. LPNs must be certified in BLS

Language Ability :

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization.

Math Ability :

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.

Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

Reasoning Ability :

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardizations exist.

Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills :

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of word processing software and inventory software.

Work Environment :

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of radiation.

The employee is occasionally exposed to risk of electrical shock.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands :

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.

The employee is occasionally required to sit; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and / or move patients.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus.