Registered Nurse

The Pre / Post Operative and Pain Management Staff Nurse is responsible for the comprehensive pre-operative care, immediate post-operative care, and stabilization for return to the home environment.

The Staff Nurse is also responsible for the comprehensive pre and post procedural care for pain management procedures as well as circulating in the procedure room.

POSITION DUTIES A.

To utilize specialized nursing knowledge and discriminative judgment while providing direct and indirect patient care.

1) Responsible for patients admission and pre-procedural care; holistic preparation for surgery, considering all needs, including pre-procedure education, escort / family members, psychosocial needs, utilizing physician preference cards, and acting under established protocols, practices, and standing orders.

2) Coordinates pre-operative lab work required for individual patients, documenting and reporting pertinent results.

3) Responsible for the patients post-procedure care and stabilization; holistic preparation for return to the home environment, considering all needs, including post-discharge care, escort / family members, educational and psychosocial needs, utilizing preference cards, and acting under established protocols, practices, and standing orders.

4) Performs thorough and accurate continual patient assessment, anticipating potential problems and reporting pertinent assessments to the anesthesiologist, supervisor, RN, and / or surgeon appropriately.

5) Documents actions in medical record completely and accurately in a timely manner.

6) Keeps safety of patient, self, and others a primary concern at all times; acts appropriately in emergency situations.

7) Acts as a discharge nurse when assigned, giving holistic and thorough discharge education.

8) Demonstrates good nursing knowledge base and rationale for actions, including cardiac monitoring.

9) Supervises and directs as delegated, the activities of non-professional personnel.

10) Utilizes equipment and supplies effectively, and efficiently, assisting with stocking, replenishing and preparation or supplies.

11) Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisors.

12) Continually maintains nursing education either internally or externally as duties and responsibilities of job mandates.

13) Additional duties including but not limited to : any other duties as assigned.

To function effectively as a member of the Surgery Center team.

1) Participates as a team member in planning and implementation of patient care; takes responsibility for an adequate patient load, reviews schedule for next day.

2) Reports for work in a timely manner and maintains good attendance record.

3) Shows flexibility in accommodating schedule changes, i.e.

working late or early, changing workdays, etc.

4) Utilizes time efficiently.

5) Organizes work effectively and appropriately to finish in a timely manner, and demonstrates the ability to produce results.

6) Demonstrates the ability to deal with other team members.

7) Monitors surgery schedule continually, communicating arrivals, cancellations, delays; communicates with reception desk, contacts patients or surgeons who are late.

8) Demonstrates interest and enthusiasm towards work.

9) Contributes to increased morale and positive attitude in the department and facility.

10) Demonstrates the ability to accept change 11) Requires minimal supervision in daily tasks 12) Reports pertinent information to Charge Nurse, or Clinical Director.

To support quality activities.

1) Participates in on-going committees and other educational programs to enhance patient care.

2) Makes pre / post procedure phone calls, assessing patient status and reporting any pertinent information to supervisor and / or physician.

3) Utilizes critical thinking and problem solving skills, making suggestions for improvement.

4) Performs and documents daily assignments, including general housekeeping and maintenance of work environment.

5) Develops communication skills and promotes departmental relationships to ensure continuity of care 6) Maintains current CPR certification.

7) Maintains current ACLS certification.

8) A select group of RNs will be asked to have PALS certification D.

To perform the tasks delegated to the circulating role.

1) Check rooms for needed supplies and prepares rooms for specific patient and procedure.

2) Assists in transporting patient to procedure room (PR) and checks patient record for appropriate pre-op preparation and procedures.

3) Performs and / or directs appropriate procedure prep.

4) Completes documentation for records and patient chart including medications and physician orders.

5) Directs proper care of instruments, supplies, sterilization, and storage of equipment.

6) Supervises and assists with the proper, safe positioning of the patient.

7) Secures emergency equipment and supplies as needed.

8) Controls the general tone of the procedure room.

To function effectively as a member of the procedure room team.

1) Provides assistance to team members, physicians and other personnel as needed (i.e., reliability, working relations, initiative, training needs).

2) Reviews physicians preference cards and updates as needed.

3) Assists in stocking, preparation, and waste management of supplies.

4) May be asked to help with unloading and distribution of incoming supplies.

5) Performs other related duties as assigned.

POSITION CHARACTERISTICS It is necessary to perform some overtime beyond regularly scheduled work hours to provide patient care.

Additionally some on call duty may be required.

Because of the nature of patient care and the pace in the pre / post operative care unit, this job can be stressful and hectic.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS Physical and mental requires extensive mobility, walking and standing.

90% of time spent pushing, pulling, lifting equipment; lifting and turning and assisting patients.

Potential exists for exposure to blood and body fluids, as well as, other hazardous materials.

Personal protective equipment should be utilized as per OSHA standards.

Must be able to analyze, problem solve and make decisions quickly and calmly.

Must be able to work independently, as well as with a team.

Must have thorough knowledge of nursing theory and excellent patient assessment skills.

Must present and maintain professional image and leadership qualities.

Must be willing to take responsibility and maintain accountability.

Must possess good organizational and excellent communication skills as well as flexibility.

Must have ability to prioritize and handle periods of stress.

Requires respect for the confidential nature of the work environment.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS The Staff Nurse (RN) for pre, post and pain management service must be a graduate of an accredited School of Nursing and be currently licensed to practice nursing in the State of Oregon.

A minimum of one-year experience in an acute care setting with cardiac monitored nursing care preferred.

The successful candidate must have the ability to work independently and well as function within a team; have the ability to assess patient needs, determine priorities, plan and direct care of the patient the these areas; present good public relation skills; and possess the ability to handle stress.