RN - Pre-Op/PACU (PRN)

Mission:

Virginia Urology will provide access to individualized, quality, and compassionate urological care from a highly specialized and diverse teams while maintaining a fulfilling work environment.

Overall Objective:

The RN, Pre-Op/PACU is responsible for providing safe high-quality nursing care to patients throughout the perioperative experience, with primary responsibility for pre-operative preparation and post-anesthesia recovery.

Principal Activities and Expected End Results:

• Develops a care plan that meets individual patient needs and follows established nursing standards of care/practice and applicable Ambulatory Surgery Center/ departmental policies and procedures.
• Utilizes critical thinking skills in the formulation and implementation of the patient’s care plan. Records actions and patient response:

1. Potential discharge needs are identified and communicated according to policy.
2. Delivers care with respect to the individual’s spiritual and cultural needs.
3. Notifies surgeon and/or anesthesiologist of abnormal lab values changes in patient condition.
4. Provides patient care in a professional and ethical manner. Demonstrates an understanding of, and appropriately applies, policies. Utilize available resources.
5. Identifies unsafe patient care practices and assumes responsibility for intervention.
6. Prioritizes and delegates tasks/assignments based on patient need and skill level of staff.
7. Delivers medication according to policy.

• Verifies surgeon, identifies the patient and operative site. Ensures that informed consent and History and Physical are present prior to surgery.
• Performs pre-operative assessment based on unit policy. Assessment includes, but is not limited to, the review of the pertinent pre-op data, physical and psychosocial considerations and any special needs related that may impact the delivery of care during the preoperative and postoperative course.
• Acts as a resource person and provides direction to other members of the health care team to ensure comprehensive and safe patient care.
• Advises and directs team members in the selection and preparation of routine supplies and equipment for patient care.
• Provides support and assistance to anesthesia providers as needed, specifically during the pre and post anesthesia periods.
• Changes in the patient’s physiological and behavioral status are addressed and documented as they occur:

1. Recognizes adverse responses to care or treatment.
2. Responds appropriately to life threatening emergencies (Code Blue, Fire/Disaster).
3. Communicates with patient’s family/significant other as needed. Provides any significant status change and documents appropriately.

• Positions patients, provides protection of pressure points, and keep body parts in proper alignment.
• Communicates effectively with supervisors, co-workers, physicians, and other healthcare providers.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his/her assigned unit:

1. Possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status.
2. Interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his/her age specific needs.
3. Provides care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

• Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to operate equipment to properly care for patients including cardiac monitor, dinamapp, pulse oximeter, blood glucose monitor, defibrillator, external pacemaker.
• Pre- and post-operative phone calls to patients.
• Complete PACU documentation records as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.