About this role
SUMMARY: The Registered Nurse, Pre-Op is responsible for admitting the patient to the clinical area and providing nursing care to the pre-operative and post-operative patient, as well as, developing a nursing care plan specifically designed for the individual patient. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: • Ensures the pre-operative, post-operative, observation/inpatient area has a clean and therapeutic environment for all patients at all times. Give instructions to patients as instructed by physician or physician assistant • Ensures supplies and equipment needed are available and in good working order • Admits the patient to the unit and prepares him/her for the scheduled procedure • Makes initial assessment and determines the nursing needs of the patient, communicates additional discharge needs when applicable (transportation, durable medical equipment) • Explains nursing procedures and actions taken to help reduce anxiety • Identifies patient’s physical and mental status • Monitors the patient’s medical condition and reports any significant changes to the admitting physician or anesthesiologist • Assures surgical consent, pre-operative test results and History and Physical are in the medical record prior to proposed procedure • Pre-op and post-op calls to patients • Reports any important health history facts to the operating room nurse/medical director • Gives patients and family members emotional support as necessary • Documents patient care delivered, accurately in the medical record • Implements doctor’s orders in a timely and accurate manner • Educates patients and family • Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with patients, families, visitors, and other Center employees • Documents concisely, precisely, and accurately on all records or documents as indicated by policy • Understands and maintains clinical competencies (general, age specific and drug administration) • Demonstrates clinical problem solving and critical thinking • Makes decisions using evidence based analytical approach • Plans for routine events and anticipates/prevents and manages/evaluates emergent situations • Completes patient care responsibilities in a timely manner with accurate documentation • Uses downtime efficiently, aware of team members workload and constantly helps and responds positively to requests for assistance from other team members • Adapts to unexpected changes • Effectively acclimate to various work schedules to achieve high quality of care • Protects patient and family privacy rights and maintains confidentiality of patient records in accordance with policy and procedure and HIPAA requirements • Follows all safety rules on the job. Reports all accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace • Maintains established Center/Departmental policies and procedures • Adheres to the company standards of business conduct • Performs other related duties as assigned to support the hospital KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: • Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word & Vision (EMR) • Strong attention to detail: being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks • Has self-control to maintain composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in difficult situations • Ability to adequately diagnose, plan and implement nursing interventions and evaluate patient condition • Compliance with facility policies and procedures • Compliance with continuing and mandatory education programs • Practices nursing within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act of Texas and accepts responsibility and accountability for own actions • Possesses appropriate communication skills to practice collaborative nursing • Excellent, professionally polished patient interaction skills • Exceptional customer service and phone etiquette • Ability to respond quickly, physically and mentally when priorities and /or the patient’s condition changes • High stress tolerance: accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations • Ability to adapt with flexibility: being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace • Ability to work independently by guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending one oneself to get things done • Ability to maintain effective and organized systems and records to ensure timely patient flow • Ability to clean, maintain, and make minor adjustments to equipment EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: • Associates Degree in Nursing • Registered Nurse in the State of Texas • One (1) year of experience in a peri-operative environment • Basic Life Support certified • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified or must be obtained within sixty (60) days of hire • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified or must be obtained within sixty (60) days of hire