Registered Nurse

*PREOP/PACU RN

Under general direction from Center Manager, the Registered Nurse provides professional nursing care through assessment, planning, treatment and evaluation of the patient.  The registered nurse is responsible for delivering safe, knowledgeable, compassionate, educative and individualized nursing care to patients and families. If there is a non-clinical Center Manager in place, then nursing services reports directly to the Director of Nursing (DON) and is under the general direction from the DON. 

B.         ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.       Performs patient preparation, including but not limited to: review of medical history, acquisition of appropriate consents, measuring vital signs, starting IV, administering medications, glucometer/similar testing and setting up appropriate monitors.                                                                            

2.       Verifies that essential equipment is functioning properly each day. 

3.       Assesses and monitors patients before, after and throughout all phases of care, demonstrating competency with all monitoring equipment. 

4.       Identifies the patient and correct procedural intervention according to policy/procedure and communicates such information to all members of the surgical team.

5.       Transports and positions patients observing policies/procedures, safety requirements, and patient needs.

6.       Documents patient care records and other forms accurately following policies and procedures.

7.       Maintains patient safety, and ensures a clean, orderly environment throughout the Center.

8.       Accurately comprehends and interprets verbal orders/directions

9.       Addresses individual patient needs and completes all pre and post-op physician orders. 

10.   Adheres to CDC Bodily Fluid precautions and infectious waste disposal according to policy. 

11.   Monitors compliance with principles of aseptic technique according to accepted standards

12.   Organizes time, equipment, supplies, and personnel to provide effective and efficient case      management

13.   Conducts pre and post-procedure orientation and instruction of patient and/or patient’s family, communicating a positive and caring attitude.  Provides verbal and written discharge criteria. 

14.   Delegates activities appropriate to the abilities of available staff members

15.   Conducts pre and post-procedure telephone interviews. 

16.   Performs other duties as requested or assigned.

17. Engages in various clerical and recordkeeping duties as needed. 
18. Demonstrated knowledge of potential exposure to hazardous materials (i.e. patient body fluids, disinfectant chemicals) and location of SDS sheets.

19.   Participates in the QAPI and Safety Program.

Other Requirements:

1.       Adheres to Center’s policies and procedures.

2.       Wears identification while on duty.

3.       Completes in-services and returns in a timely fashion

4.       Attends annual review and department in-services, as scheduled.

5.       Attends staff meetings and if unable to attend, reads and initials meeting minutes and other

documents applicable.

6.       Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement       

(CQI) activities.

7.       Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the Center, as well as the focus statement of

the department.

8.       Seeks educational opportunities and accepts responsibilities for own professional growth and development. 

9.       Must maintain patient right to privacy by not discussing privileged information outside the work area or within hearing range of visitors, family or patient.

1. Graduate of a Nursing program.
2. Three years clinical experience in the peri-operative setting or procedure healthcare including demonstrated knowledge of sterile technique, working with anesthetized patients, and other clinical situations found in a surgical or procedural setting.
3. Must possess a working knowledge of the legal and regulatory environment impacting ASC’s, and the applicable standards of the AAAHC, The Joint Commission, and other regulatory bodies for ambulatory surgery centers. 
4. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with physicians and all medical professionals.
5. Holds current RN license from the applicable authority.
6. Current certification in CPR and, depending on Center policy, ACLS
7. Critical Care, E.R., or recovery experience.