RN Pre-Op & PACU

Position Summary

The RN Pre-Op & PACU nurse ensures patient safety throughout the continuum of peri-anesthesia care. This role is responsible for preparing patients for invasive procedures by providing education, conducting health assessments, and developing individualized plans of care. The nurse also monitors patients following surgical procedures, ensuring patients and their designated caregivers are prepared for discharge and understand all post-operative care and follow-up instructions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Other duties may be assigned.

Pre-Operative Care

• Accurately perform pre-procedure assessments and formulate a plan of care based on the patient's physical, psychosocial, cultural, safety, pain management, and educational needs.
• Prepare patients for surgical procedures and provide pre-operative education and instructions.
• Document assessments and care plans thoroughly and accurately in the medical record.

Post-Anesthesia Care

• Assess and monitor post-anesthesia and sedated patients throughout their stay in the PACU.
• Provide post-operative pain management and comfort measures.
• Assess patients for discharge readiness and ensure patients and caregivers understand discharge instructions and follow-up care requirements.
• Document all post-operative care and interventions in the medical record.

Clinical Excellence & Patient Safety

• Recognize potential emergency situations and utilize clinical judgment and professional expertise to respond appropriately.
• Demonstrate knowledge of:
  • Anesthesia techniques and associated complications
  • Signs and symptoms of impending shock
  • Respiratory compromise and airway management
• Maintain compliance with facility policies, including:
  • Patient safety
  • Infection prevention and control
  • Risk management
• Adhere to all applicable CMS, State, CDC, and AAAHC standards and regulations.

Communication & Teamwork

• Utilize effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Interact with patients, physicians, coworkers, and guests in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner.
• Strive to exceed patient and physician satisfaction expectations and quality benchmarks.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, physicians, and hospital partners to improve patient care quality, effectiveness, and efficiency.
• Foster a positive and cohesive work environment by supporting both clinical and non-clinical team members and assisting where needed to ensure smooth daily operations.

Qualifications

• Ability to make sound and reasonable clinical decisions.
• Ability to concentrate on individual patient care and perform calmly under pressure.
• Demonstrates accountability, professionalism, adaptability, and openness to change.
• Ability to effectively manage stressful situations with tact and professionalism.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with physicians, hospital partners, and ASC staff.

Computer Skills

To perform this position successfully, an individual should possess:

• Working knowledge of computers and internet applications.
• Ability to learn and utilize electronic medical record (EMR) systems and other healthcare software applications.

Requirements

• Current, active Registered Nurse license issued by the applicable State Board of Nursing.
• Current BLS certification.
• Current ACLS certification.
• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program.

Physical Demands

General Requirement:
Visual and hearing abilities must be sufficient to safely perform patient care activities.

Environmental Conditions

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to provide general guidelines for the position and does not constitute a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements, or working conditions associated with the role. Responsibilities and requirements may change as organizational needs evolve.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with Employer Contribution
• Employer-Paid Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development Opportunities
• And More!