Surgical Services - Registered Nurse Pre-Op/PACU

Qualifications

Education/Certification: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Idaho.  Current BLS, ACLS and PALS certification required.  

Experience: Two years of Critical Care or PACU experience preferred.  

Equipment/Technology: Basic computer knowledge. 

Language/Communication: Ability to read and communicate effectively in English.  

Mathematical Skills: Basic  

Mental Capabilities: Ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Can adapt to rapidly changing workloads due to changes in the surgery census. Can frequently and consistently make sound judgments.  

Interpersonal: Ability to work well with others.  

Performance: Can work well under pressure and meet multiple and competing deadlines.  

Physical Demands

For the minimum physical demands required to complete the essential functions for this position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion and environment, see the duties and responsibilities below.

Duties and Responsibilities

The RN Pre-Op/PACU

1. Maintains area in a state of readiness at all times, ensuring that all necessary equipment is available and in good working order, with age-specific supplies ready for use as needed.  
2. Assesses physical and emotional needs of patients and implements appropriate nursing interventions. Completes the nursing pre-assessment record, including  confirmation of the following:  
   • Allergies.  
   • Medications taken at home.  
   • Dentures, contact lenses and glasses.  
   • Pertinent medical conditions listed.  
   • Pertinent past medical history listed.  
   • Confirmations of consent and operative site.  
   • Confirmation of responsible party.  Confirmation of ordered labs/test results on chart.  
3. Respects the patient’s right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality. 
4. Assists the patient in undressing if needed and stores belongings appropriately. 
5. Assesses or performs the following:  
   • Vital signs.  
   • Weight and height.  
   • Blood Glucose monitoring, if applicable.  
   • Pregnancy test, if applicable.  
   • Starts IV on all patients, except those who have an order not to start an IV.  Utilizes anesthesia protocol regarding IV fluids and catheter size.  
   • Pain level.  
6. Performs pre-operative instruction and explanation of procedures and patient’s rights.  
7. Ensures that patients are seen by the anesthesia provider prior to being taken to the  O.R.  
8. Sets priorities to facilitate the timely and efficient flow of patients throughout the day.  
9. Carries out physician/anesthesia orders.  
10. Records pertinent patient information on the nurse’s notes.  
11. Demonstrates an economic use of equipment and supplies.  
12. Maintains confidentiality of all pertinent patient care information to assure patient’s rights are protected.  
13. Demonstrates commitment to excellence in patient, family and physician relations.  
14. Communicates appropriate information to other members of the healthcare team in a  timely manner.  
15. Acts as the nursing advocate for the patient by upholding patient rights.  
16. Participates in overall Pre-Op/PACU Department functions, including, but not limited  to:  
    • Follows appropriate Pre-Op/Admitting policies/procedures.  
    • Training new staff as needed.  
    • Attends and participates in staff meetings.  
    • Attends annual education in-services as required.  
    • Is knowledgeable about and responsive to emergency situations, i.e. cardiac arrest, malignant hyperthermia, drug reaction, fire, disaster, etc.  
17. Complies with attendance requirements.  
18. Demonstrates an awareness of safe conditions and safe acts as related to hospital 
19. Maintains professional competency through appropriate continuing education. 
20. Adheres to and practices MVH Compliance Program and participates in
21. Performance  Improvement activities.
22. Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein.  If assigned as Pre-Op Team Leader, performs the following opening and closing  duties: 
    • Opening:  
      • Counts narcotics.  
    • Closing:  
      • Checks with PACU i.e. staffing needs.  
      • Stocks the blanket warmer.  
      • Readies rooms: gurneys made up, O2 tanks >500psi.  
      • Restocks IV trays. Restocks room carts.  

The Perioperative RN, PACU, Phase I RN

1. Maintains the PACU area in a state of readiness at all times, ensuring that all necessary equipment is available and in good working order, with age-specific supplies ready for use as needed.  
2. Assess patients on admission to PACU for the following:  
   • Patient airway  
   • Respirations  
   • Vital Signs  
   • Level of consciousness according to the Aldrete scale  
   • Level of pain
3. Assesses and records vital signs every 5 minutes and Aldrete scale every 15  minutes.  
4. Uses appropriate devices and techniques to assist patient’s respirations and maintains optimum blood oxygen saturation.  
5. Assess surgical site for bleeding, reinforce dressing and notifying physician if increased drainage.  
6. Able to assess and treat post-operative pain effectively  
7. Proficient knowledge of drugs used in the PACU.  
8. Positions patient as ordered by physician. 
9. Assesses and records intake and output of all fluids.  
10. Carries out physician/anesthesiologist orders.  
11. Assesses patient for transfer from Post Surgery or PACU when Aldrete scale is at “8”  with no “0” in any category.  
12. Responds appropriately to emergency situations, recognizing the need for assistance and obtaining support from anesthesia personnel and/or physician as needed.  
13. Records pertinent patient information on nurse’s notes.  
14. Demonstrates economic use of equipment and supplies.  
15. Maintains confidentiality of all pertinent patient care information to assure the patient’s rights are protected.  
16. Demonstrates commitment to excellence in patient, family and physician relations. 
17. Acts as the nursing advocate for the patient, upholding the patient’s rights.  
18. Communicates appropriate information to other members of the health care team in a timely manner.  
19. Participates in overall Pre-Op/PACU Department functions including, but not limited  to:  
    • Follows appropriate Pre-op/PACU policies/procedures.  
    • Training new staff as needed  
    • Attends and participates in staff meetings  
    • Attends annual educational in-services as required  
    • Is knowledgeable about and responsive to emergency situations, i.e. cardiac arrest, malignant hyperthermia, drug reactions, fire, disaster, etc.  
    • Assist Anesthesia Provider with block procedures.  
20. Complies with attendance requirements.  
21. Demonstrates an awareness of safe conditions and safe acts as related to hospital employment.  
22. Maintains professional competency through appropriate continuing education.  
23. Adheres to and practices the Idaho Falls Community Hospital Compliance Program and participates in performance improvement activities.  
24. Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein. 
25. If assigned as PACU team leader, performs the following duties prior to closing the  PACU:  
    • Re-verifies narcotic count/secures prescription pads  
    • Locks drug cupboards and supply cart  
    • Closes supply closet door  
    • Logs off computer  
26. Assists or covers in Pre-op or Operating Room areas as needed and directed by  Surgical Services Manager. 

For a more detailed description of the physical demands and the work environment for our Surgical Services Registered Nurse Pre-Op-PACU position, please review this PDF.