Ortho Preop​/PACU RN Patient-Centric

Description

The Pre Op/ PACU Nurse works in conjunction with the Doctor/Surgeon to perform the duties required for pre-operative and PACU post-operative care of our orthopedic patients. Under minimum supervision, the Pre Op/PACU Nurse provides efficient patient services and adheres to all policies and procedures of the facility. Travel as assigned to satellite locations, and basic computer knowledge.

This position requires exceptional attention to detail and follow-through skills. Must be able to: multitask, keep information confidential, provide high-quality service, act as a team player, build trust, and treat others with respect. Must have exceptional communication, organizational, memory, and timely decision-making skills. Must show empathy and patience and remain composed under pressure or during high-volume times, as appropriate.

• Demonstrates current comprehensive knowledge and skills related to nursing standards.
• Demonstrates courtesy and helpfulness toward patients, families, coworkers, and others.
• Use layperson’s language to improve patient understanding.
• Handles complaints responsively and professionally.
• Maintains awareness of current policies and procedures affecting job responsibilities.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and proprietary information.
• Maintains required professional licensure and certifications.
• Ensures professional appearance and conduct with patients and coworkers.
• Observes all safety precautions and complies with health and safety rules.
• Participate in quality assurance monitoring and improvement initiatives.
• Responds to requests from other departments positively and collaboratively.
• Suggests methods to increase quality, efficiency, and prevent errors.
• Demonstrates receptiveness to feedback and the opinions of others.
• Finds additional ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

• Assess the patient:
  Review medical history, allergies, medications, and take vital signs.
• Verify everything:
  Confirm patient identity, procedure, and ensure consents are signed.
• Give pre-op meds:
  Administer medications as ordered and follow fasting (NPO) guidelines.
• Educate and reassure:
  Explain the procedure, answer questions, and ease patient anxiety.
• Communicate with the team:
  Report concerns and ensure everything’s ready for surgery.
• Responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing the preadmission process.
• Ensure all pre-admission steps and requirements are completed promptly, including documentation for add-on cases.
• Ensures smooth, timely, and efficient telephone communication, including contacting patients 1–2 weeks before procedure.
• Handles communications from physician offices to accurately inform patients of requirements before the date of surgery.
• Interacts with departments and the physician's office staff regarding pre-operative scheduling processes.
• Demonstrates understanding of patient needs according to diagnosis, including determining single, multiple, or complex scheduling needs.
• Provides appropriate preparatory education and instructions to patients and families.
• Demonstrates good time management skills and prioritizes patient calls.
• Listens to patient concerns and gathers accurate information while remaining focused on the pre-admission process.

• Performs a variety of duties in the PACU environment during the evaluation, treatment planning, management, and discharge of patients in the Ambulatory Surgical setting.
• Monitoring Vital Signs:
  Nurses closely monitor heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and respiration.
• Pain Management:
  Patients receive medications and comfort care for pain or nausea.
• Airway Management:
  Staff ensure that the patient's airway remains open and breathing is stable.
• Recovery from Anesthesia:
  Patients are observed until they regain consciousness and are stable enough for discharge.
• Assesses patient status and identifies everyone’s needs relative to his or her situation.
• Completes patient charting accurately, concisely, and promptly.
• Ensure patient records are complete and free from deficiencies or errors.
• Demonstrates active…