Registered Nurse - Urology, Outpatient Procedures

Job Description

Essential Job Functions
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Provides total comprehensive care to patients by applying the nursing process in an organized and systematic manner according to the Center’s policy in keeping with patient safety principles.

• Completes initial assessment according to policy.
• Reassesses patient condition per policy.
• Interprets and utilizes clinical data in the plan of care.
• Assesses patient for potential risk factors and intervenes to mitigate risk and prevent harm.
• Recognizes and integrates patient special needs and individualizes care.
• Adheres to infection control standards specific to patient care.
• Assumes accountability for managing the delivery of patient care. Promotes safety in all activities.
• Acts as a patient advocate and upholds patient rights.
• Assesses and responds to individual, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of the patient.
• Administers medications correctly within the restrictions and limitations defined by the New Jersey State Practice Act and the Center’s policies and procedures.
• Prioritizes and organizes work assignment and adjusts priorities based on changing situations.
• Promotes and maintains a safe, clean, and orderly environment.
• Anticipates potential length of stay or discharge problems.

Communicates proactively to the health care team regarding plan of care changes in patient condition, patient progress, the discharge plan and other relevant information.

• Participates in discharge planning.
• Initiates appropriate nursing measures.
• Communicates and documents changes in patient condition to all appropriate individuals.
• Documents medication use and controlled substance.
• Appropriately secures patient belongings on admission and throughout discharge.
• Maintains open collaborative dialogue with the management team.
• Effectively communicates and interacts with physicians, patients, families and the public.
• Regularly attends staff meetings, orientations, and in‑services. Serves on assigned committees.
• Assists with teaching aseptic technique, safety program, infection prevention and control, and relevant nursing topics.
• Reports promptly and accurately all significant events and problems to the manager.

Computer Systems

• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in using the Center’s computer system for documentation, charging list reports and inventory, and participates in training classes as needed.
• Maintains confidentiality of all information in the medical record and assigned computer codes.

Professionalism

• Maintains current knowledge of outpatient post‑anesthesia / peri‑operative nursing practice and attends continuing education programs.
• Attends seminars and meetings relevant to PACU as requested by the Center.
• Participates in research, new equipment, and procedures for the Center.
• Maintains dress code and decorum, prominently wearing a name identification badge at all times and introducing self to patients and their families.
• Promotes a positive image of the Center to patients, physicians, vendors, and the community.
• Demonstrates professional behavior by being technically competent, skilled, and responsive to the Center’s customers in a compassionate, efficient, and effective manner.
• Maintains competencies identified by the Center, including mandatory education, equipment and skill competency review lists, BLS, ACLS, and PALS as required by patient population.
• Feels knowledgeable about the Center’s Policy and Procedure Manual.

Competently Manages Care of the Post‑Anesthesia Patient

• Recovers patients per Recovery Phase I and II policy.
• Demonstrates knowledge of anesthesia agents.
• Interprets dysrhythmias, documents, and intervenes appropriately.
• Keeps family and significant others informed of patient progress.

Responds quickly and efficiently in emergency situations

• Demonstrates knowledge of surgical emergency preparedness, malignant hypothermia, cardiac arrest, and latex allergy.
• Maintains BCLS and code blue competency per policy.
• Recognizes changes in patient condition and responds appropriately.
• Reprioritizes and delegates other responsibilities during emergency situations.
• Functions calmly and efficiently.
• Is proficient in the use of emergency equipment.
• Checks code cart and emergency equipment according to policy.
• Documents…