Surgery - Preop​/Pacu Registered Nurse

JOB SUMMARY

The Pre-Op/Admitting nurse provides nursing care to patients being admitted for surgery. The nursing role during this phase focuses on assessing, identifying, and solving nursing care and pre-operative problems. The nurse is responsible for starting and monitoring IVs, administering pre-operative medications and performing pre-operative instruction and explanation of patient’s rights and procedures. They must facilitate and demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues and supervisors at all times.

The PACU, Phase I nurse provides nursing care to patients returning from surgery. The nursing role during this phase focuses on assisting the patient through the transition from an anesthetized state to an awake condition. The nurse is responsible for assisting and maintaining adequate ventilation, hemostasis and circulation; assessing level of consciousness, providing pain management, and ensuring the safety of the patient until transferred to another unit.

He/she must facilitate and demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues and supervisors at all times.

• Maintains area in a state of readiness at all times, ensuring that all necessary equipment is available and in good working order, with age specific supplies ready for use as needed.
• Assesses physical and emotional needs of patients and implements appropriate nursing interventions. Completes the nursing pre-assessment record, including confirmation of the following:
  • Allergies.
  • Medications taken at home.
  • Dentures, contact lenses and glasses.
  • Pertinent medical conditions listed.
  • Pertinent past medical history listed.
  • Confirmations of consent and operative site.
  • Confirmation of responsible party.
  • Confirmation of ordered labs/test results on chart.
• Respects the patient’s right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
• Assists the patient in undressing if needed and stores belongings appropriately.
• Assesses or performs the following:
  • Vital signs.
  • Weight and height.
  • Blood Glucose monitoring, if applicable.
  • Pregnancy test, if applicable.
  • Starts IV on all patients, except those who have an order not to start an IV. Utilizes anesthesia protocol regarding IV fluids and catheter size.
  • Pain level.
• Performs pre-operative instruction and explanation of procedures and patient’s rights.
• Ensures that patients are seen by the anesthesia provider prior to being taken to the O.R.
• Sets priorities to facilitate the timely and efficient flow of patients throughout the day.
• Carries out physician/anesthesia orders.
• Records pertinent patient information on the nurse’s notes.

• Maintains the PACU area in a state of readiness at all times, ensuring that all necessary equipment is available and in good working order, with age specific supplies ready for use as needed.
• Assess patients on admission to PACU for the following:
  • Patient airway
  • Respirations
  • Vital Signs
  • Level of consciousness according to the Aldrete scale Level of pain
• Assesses and records vital signs every 5 minutes and Aldrete scale every 15 minutes.
• Uses appropriate devices and techniques to assist patient’s respirations and maintains optimum blood oxygen saturation.
• Assess surgical site for bleeding, reinforce dressing and notifying physician if increased drainage.
• Able to assess and treat post-operative pain effectively
• Proficient knowledge of drugs used in the PACU.
• Positions patient as ordered by physician.
• Assesses and records intake and output of all fluids.
• Carries out physician / anesthesiologist orders.

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (vacation, holidays and sick days) and Medical Paid Time Off
• Retirement Plans (401K with up to 6% match)
• Earned Quarterly Bonus Program
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Discount for medically necessary procedures performed at Idaho Falls Community Hospital and Mountain View Hospital

Please note benefits are based on eligibility according to full-time, part-time or PRN status classification.

Education/Certification:

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Idaho. Current BLS, ACLS and PALS certification required.

Experience:

Two years of Critical Care or PACU experience preferred.