RN, Perioperative and Post Anesthesia

Description

This position is expected to assess patients’ nursing care needs primarily in the perioperative and post‑anesthesia area, evaluate the effectiveness of care provided, and integrate nursing theory into clinical practice in the Ambulatory Surgery Center. The position must apply nursing theory to assess, diagnose, treat and evaluate safe patient care and continue to analyze ongoing assessment data to determine safe patient outcomes throughout the Ambulatory Surgery Center, supporting all team members.

This position requires State licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) who will collaborate and integrate information from patients and families while working with multidisciplinary team members.

• Assesses patient status on admission to the pre‑op area, the post‑anesthesia area and the post‑op area on a continuing basis.
• Provides safe, therapeutic quality care to patients by utilizing the nursing process and nursing diagnosis in a timely manner and by setting appropriate priorities. Coordinates nursing interventions to enhance expected outcomes and to ensure readiness for discharge. Documents interventions and patient responses.
• Ensures provision of patient care in an organized and timely manner, as evidenced by having patients ready for their procedures at scheduled times.
• Utilizes nursing care standards when planning and implementing patient care.
• Communicates appropriate information regarding patient conditions to those who require it, including surgeons, anesthesia staff, management, and other staff.
• Safely carries out physician’s orders correctly and promptly, documenting all activities.
• Initiates and participates in patient and family education. Assesses learning needs according to the patient’s level of understanding and readiness to learn, and identifies any discharge needs for safe home care.
• Displays an understanding of each patient’s cognitive, physical, emotional, and chronological maturity in assessments, treatment, and care, including pediatrics to geriatric populations.
• Takes part in pre‑ and post‑op communications and reports any problems to the appropriate person.
• Maintains competencies to function in the RN role within the specific area (e.g., perioperative – admitting, discharging, and IV therapy in the pre/post areas of the Ambulatory Surgery Center).
• Maintains competencies in monitoring patients undergoing anesthesia and/or sedation, including airway protection, assessment, and patient support.
• Protects sedated and anesthetized patients by identifying safety hazards such as electrical equipment, pressure points, and by minimizing exposure to maintain privacy and body temperature.
• Exhibits expertise in safety principles, asepsis, sterile technique, and universal precautions.
• Assesses, anticipates, and implements appropriate care throughout the entire surgical process as needed to support team members.

• Correlates clinical data with nursing care, providing measures congruent with the patient’s age, sex, and health status.
• Exhibits excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, prioritizing work to meet the changing needs of the department.
• Knows how to troubleshoot a variety of medical equipment and instruments to administer patient care.
• Documents and performs nursing care in the assigned area based on standards of care, practice, policies, and procedures.
• Adheres to all policies and procedures, including but not limited to confidentiality, infection control, OSHA safety, attendance, punctuality, and personal appearance.
• Serves as a role model and mentor, providing direction and leadership to other staff.
• Demonstrates understanding of established emergency procedures for the Center.
• Demonstrates the ability to direct and provide for patient care in emergency situations.
• Demonstrates the ability to make decisions concerning Center‑based problems.
• Participates in the orientation of nursing and ancillary staff as requested.
• Participates in developing standardized patient education programs.
• Participates in quality improvement activities, including identifying opportunities for cost reductions and efficiencies.
• Works to achieve and maintain…