PACU RN

Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance (TOA) is the largest orthopaedic surgery group in Tennessee, with more than 35 locations across the state.

Our commitment to Trust, Respect, Honesty, Teamwork, Communication, Diversity, and Accountability guides how we work and how we care for our patients and communities.

Who we are defines how we care:

• Culture: A shared commitment to Trust, Respect, Honesty, Teamwork, Communication, Diversity, and taking accountability for our own actions with the belief that every one of us makes a difference.
• Patient Access: Setting the standard for orthopedic care in Tennessee with access to over 35 locations across the state, including Ambulatory Surgery Centers.
• Patient
  
  Experience:
  
  Building strong and authentic relationships with our patients and communities by unifying through consistent collaboration to deliver exceptional patient experiences.
• Financial Stewardship: Using sound judgement to make responsible financial decisions; minimizing waste and maximizing value.

The staff nurse under the supervision of the PAT/Pre-op/PACU Coordinator, is responsible for the nursing care of the patient in the Pre-Op and Post Anesthesia Care Area. Participates as a team member in the planning and implementing of patient care. Directs and assists in carrying out the standards of Pre-Op and PACU. Offers leadership and direction to nursing and medical assistants.

Assures continuity of care from pre-operative visit through surgical procedure and until post-operative follow-up.

• Identifies patient armband and greets patient and family.
• Checks and assures that physician’s preoperative orders are complete
• Verifies surgical site verbally with patient.
• Assess patient’s understanding of procedure and checks surgical consent for accuracy and completeness.
• Obtains signature on surgical consent when appropriate.
• Obtains history and performs physical and psychological assessment of the patient, identifying physical and emotional status.
• Obtains vital signs upon admission, recheck if abnormal.
• Initiates intravenous therapy as indicated utilizing aseptic technique with appropriate I.V. catheter and fluid.
• Administers preoperative medications as prescribed and monitors patient appropriately until transferred to the O.R.
• Documents assessment and nursing care on appropriate records.
• Reports test abnormalities and any other pertinent information to surgeon and anesthesia.
• Assesss patient’s level of fear/anxiety and provides comfort and support for patient and family.
• Maintains patient’s privacy, comfort, and safety in the holding area, i.e. bed rails up, brakes on stretchers, etc.

• Assumes primary role of patient's care delivery.
  * See attached responsibilities
• Exhibits ability to coordinate the flow of patients as directed. Nurse patient ratio for Class I patients is 1 : 2.5.
• Is responsible for Pre-Op and PACU records completed in legible handwriting.
• Is responsible for implementing physician's orders.
• Will utilize and document the nursing process on each patient admitted to Pre-Op and PACU.
• Is knowledgeable in critical care management in the post-operative patient.
• Sets up and assists in procedures performed in PACU such as nerve blocks and manipulations.
• Is responsible for code cart (making sure all code cart drugs are in date), glucose checks, MH cart and fridge temps.
• Is responsible for maintaining a clean and orderly work environment.
• Maintain narcotic inventory and proper records for DEA as assigned.
• Maintain anesthesia drug inventory and Pre-Op and PACU drug supply inventory - keeping all drugs in date as assigned.
• Responsible for the removal of bio-hazard waste and proper handling and care of bio-hazard…