Registered Nurse Pre-Op PACU; PRN - MED CTR

Townsen Memorial is looking for a (PRN) Pre-Op/PACU Registered Nurse for our surgery center in Houston, TX area.

The Registered Nurse Pre Op / PACU is responsible for admitting the patient to the clinical area and providing nursing care to the pre-operative and post-operative patient, as well as, developing a nursing care plan specifically designed for the individual patient. The staffing of the Center is based on a teamwork concept. Employees may be cross trained in other clinical areas and may be expected to perform duties other than their normal ones as staffing and patient needs change.

• Ensures the pre-operative, post-operative, observation/inpatient area has a clean and therapeutic environment for all patients at all times. Give instructions to patients as instructed by physician or physician assistant.
• Ensures supplies and equipment needed are available and in good working order.
• Admits the patient to the unit and prepares him/her for the scheduled procedure.
• Makes initial assessment and determines the nursing needs of the patient, communicates additional discharge needs when applicable (transportation, durable medical equipment).
• Explains nursing procedures and actions taken to help reduce anxiety.
• Identifies patient’s physical and mental status.
• Monitors the patient’s medical condition and reports any significant changes to the admitting physician or anesthesiologist.
• Assures surgical consent, pre-operative test results and History and Physical are in the medical record prior to proposed procedure.
• Pre‑op and post‑op calls to patients.
• Reports any important health history facts to the operating room nurse/medical director.
• Gives patients and family members emotional support as necessary.
• Documents patient care delivered accurately in the medical record.
• Implements doctor’s orders in a timely and accurate manner.
• Educates patients and family.
• Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with patients, families, visitors, and other Center employees.
• Documents concisely, precisely, and accurately on all records or documents as indicated by policy.
• Understands and maintains clinical competencies (general, age specific and drug administration).
• Demonstrates clinical problem solving and critical thinking.
• Makes decisions using evidence-based analytical approach.
• Plans for routine events and anticipates/prevents and manages/evaluates emergent situations.
• Completes patient care responsibilities in a timely manner with accurate documentation.
• Uses downtime efficiently, aware of team members workload and constantly helps and responds positively to requests for assistance from other team members.
• Adapts to unexpected changes.
• Effectively acclimate to various work schedules to achieve high quality of care.
• Protects patient and family privacy rights and maintains confidentiality of patient records in accordance to policy and procedure and HIPAA requirements.
• Follows all safety rules on the job. Reports all accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the work place.
• Maintains established Center/Departmental policies and procedures.
• Adheres to the company standards of business conduct.
• Performs other related duties as assigned to support the hospital.

• Knowledge of computer and relevant software applications.
• Strong attention to detail: being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
• Has self‑control to maintain composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in difficult situations.
• Ability to adequately diagnose, plan and implement nursing interventions and evaluate patient condition.
• Compliance with facility policies and procedures.
• Compliance with continuing and mandatory education programs.
• Practices nursing within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act of Texas and accepts responsibility and accountability for own actions.
• Possesses appropriate communication skills to practice collaborative nursing.
• Ability to respond quickly, physically and mentally when priorities and/or the patient’s condition changes.
• High stress…