Registered Nurse PACU

Perioperative Nurse

Basic

Job Purpose:

To plan and deliver safe, effective preoperative and postoperative nursing care until patient is dismissed from the facility.

Qualifications:

Education:

Graduate of an accredited School of Professional Nursing

Current licensure by the State of Georgia as a Registered Nurse

Experience in which progressive clinical competencies have been demonstrated, preferably with a minimum two years PACU or Critical Care experience. Current certification in ACLS (and PALS where appropriate) or ability/commitment to achievement of certification within 60 days of employment.

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to move upper extremities within full range of motion as well as stoop and bend at 90 degrees. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The exposure risk to blood borne pathogens is great.

Language

Skills:

Speaking voice that has good quality and tone; speech that is understandable.

Standards of Pre-Operative Care:

Initiates physical and psychological patient assessment and initiates preoperative patient care plan.

Criteria for Evaluation:

A. Utilizes appropriate body mechanics in moving patients and stretchers to prevent injury to patients and self.

B. Determines appropriate priorities for activities based on work demand.

C. Maintains adequate supplies for area to function smoothly.

D. Reviews schedule daily and obtains physician's orders for the following day as necessary.

E. Maintains clean and neat patient care and work area.

F. Responsible for preop interview (phone and in house).

G. Knowledgeable of labwork normals and variables, and physician orders

H. Will work closely with the Surgical Scheduler and Anesthesia Provider on days posted in interview office.

Standards of Care:

Accomplishes complete patient assessment and evaluation of each patient prior to surgery or treatment.

Criteria for Evaluation:

A. Identifies patient arm band and greets patient and family.

B. Checks and assures that physician's preoperative orders are complete.

C. Verifies surgical site verbally with patient.

D. Assesses patient's understanding of procedure and checks surgical consent for accuracy and completeness.

E. Obtains signature on surgical consent when appropriate.

F. Obtains history and performs physical and psychological assessment of the patient, identifying physical and emotional status.

G. Obtains vital signs upon admission, recheck if abnormal.

H. Initiates intravenous therapy as indicated utilizing aseptic technique with appropriate I.V. catheter, rate and fluid.

I. Administers preoperative medications as prescribed and monitors patient appropriately until transferred to O.R.

J. Documents assessment and nursing care on appropriate records.

K. Reports test abnormalities and any other pertinent information to surgeon, anesthesiologist, operating room staff and other preoperative area staff as necessary.

L. Assesses patient's level of fear/anxiety and provides comfort and support for patient and family.

M. Maintains patient's privacy, comfort, and safety in the holding area, i.e. bed rails up, brakes on stretchers.

Standards of Postoperative Care:

Plans and prepares for the postoperative care of the patient.

Criteria for Evaluation:

A. Checks all emergency carts for preparedness.

B. Checks work area for adequate stock supplies.

C. Prepares work station and checks oxygen and suction equipment.

D. Determines appropriate priorities for activities.

E. Maintains adequate inventory of supplies and equipment in a cost effective manner.

F. Makes recommendations to PACU coordinator regarding equipment needs and purchases.

Standards of Care:

Implements care of the patient/family in PACU.

Criteria for Evaluation:

A. Assesses patient for patency of airway and continually monitors adequacy of ventilation and provides airway support as needed.

B. Reports patient's…