PACU Registered Nurse

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Under the supervision of the PeriAnesthesia Director, the PACU Registered Nurse is responsible for providing peri-operative patient case in accordance with sound nursing judgment, regulatory and accreditation standards, and the facility's mission, vision, and values. The position must provide direct and indirect patient care across the age continuum; and utilize the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation according to policies and procedures of the facility which will include our Hospital.

Administrative responsibilities include internal physician marketing, cost awareness, and adherence to staffing schedule. Supervises other Registered Nurses as requested; and directs ancillary staff in the Pre-Operative and Post-Operative areas. Responsible to assist with administrative tasks related to Risk Management, Employee Health, Infection Control, Performance Improvement, and Clinical Recruitment/Retention. In conjunction with nursing leadership, the PeriAnesthesia Registered Nurse may assist with development and implementation of policies and procedures, which assure that cost effective, safe, and high quality of care is implemented.

Projects a professional demeanor and appearance while maintaining the confidentiality of patients, coworkers, and facility information and adhering to the HIPAA policy. Reports, in good faith, any known or suspected activity that appears to violate laws, rules, regulations or the SP Code of Conduct. Fulfills annual Cornerstone continuing education requirements.

Personal attributes include the ability to be self-directed; demonstrates accountability, professionalism, and receptiveness to change; seeks guidance, direction, and assistance when needed. Works under stress and in situations that demand patience, stamina, endurance, and tact while providing impeccable service. Fosters an attitude of teamwork and willingness to assist others and does not refuse performing other job duties as requested. Set's priorities, responds timely to issues, which require a decision, and ensure desired results are achieved by means of consistent follow through.

Patient Population:

The patient population served by South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital is a minimum of 12 years and/or of adult stature to geriatric patients requiring or seeking pain and/or surgical intervention. In addition, our hospital outpatient department patient population served by South Texas Spine & Surgical Hospital is a minimum of 6 months to geriatric patients.

Physical Requirements:

May be expected to lift up to 50 pounds or up to 150 pounds with assistance. May be expected to push or pull 150-300 pounds with assistance. Work is of medium demand; walking or standing most of the time while on duty. Visual and auditory acuity and manual dexterity essential to performing designated duties required. Optimal auditory acuity required. Manual dexterity involving the handling of equipment and instruments or armamentarium is essential to performing assigned duties. Physical conditions are clean, neat and well lit. May be subjected to unpleasant sights and odors, stressful situations and hazardous or infectious agents where

judgment as to precautions needed to be taken is essential. Climate control and ambient temperature variances may be experienced and required by patient care and needs of the surgical team. Hours of duty may be irregular or unexpectedly extended due to the requirements of the job.

OSHA Exposure Classification:

Job Category I. Direct contact with blood or other body fluids to which standard precautions apply. Personal protective equipment is made available and must be worn.

Qualifications:

Demonstrates eligibility for employment in the U.S.
Graduate of a school of professional nursing with current and valid licensure with Texas State Board of Nursing as a Registered Nurse.
BLS & ACLS required or obtained within 30 days of hire and PALS certification required within 60 days of hire.
2 years of nursing experience required in ICU/Emergency Room/Recovery Room or other critical care-nursing environment
Is aware of professional nursing standard and performs in accordance with them.
Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.
Knowledge of state, federal and accrediting body regulations and standards related to healthcare.
Ability to relate and work effectively with others.
Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English, with additional languages preferred.
Demonstrates ability to comprehend written and oral instructions.
Willingness to participate in goal-setting and educational activities for his/her own professional advancement and that of others.
Must be computer literate with basic fundamental computer skills that are required to perform essential job related duties.

Duties and Responsibilities:

PEOPLE

Adheres to staffing schedules, attendance policy, and cooperates with daily assignments as requested.
All full-time Registered Nurses are required to participate in the On-Call rotation for PACU.
Demonstrates skills as a team player. As a Registered Nurse, shows appropriate delegation, while directing and supervising ancillary personnel in planning, implementing, monitoring and evaluating patient care in the pre-operative/post-operative clinical areas according to accepted standards. May be requested to perform charge duties.
Provides direct patient care in the assigned clinical areas and demonstrates clinical competence.
Participates in orientation of new staff, ensures facility morale exemplifies the mission and values of the center.
Demonstrates ability to solve problems timely and constructively; maintains focus on improving the situation.
Willingness to teach others and participate in competency programs.
Completes Cornerstone modules in a timely manner annually.
Participates in all staff meetings for department and facility for informative and educational purposes.
Maintains skills required to be fully cross-trained in all areas of PeriAnesthesia and participate in the week-end PACU call schedule unless employment status is PRN.

SERVICE

Demonstrates highly effective communication skills with staff, management, physicians, patients, and family members.
Establishes and maintains exceptional services to all customers including physicians, patients and employees with the goal of delighting all customers.
Participates in service recovery by taking ownership of the situation and correcting problems. Keeps customers informed of progress related to clinical operations and provides comfort, information, and assistance during the process.
Models appropriate interaction with physicians, patients and staff to ensure high level of service in all areas of responsibility.
Reviews daily schedule and prepares patient care areas based upon types of procedures and specific patient care needs.
Communicates changes in status as necessary to physicians, family members, and other staff.

QUALITY

Initiates physical and psycho/social assessment and pre-operative plan of care, identifies patient and obtains informed consent.
Completes and documents a pre-operative interview, obtains necessary diagnostic test results and notifies appropriate physicians and staff regarding variances and/or concerns.
Completes and documents post-operative phone calls and reports problems and/or concerns.
Completes the Post-Anesthesia record and assures all patients have met the discharge criteria prior to discharge; and provides all patients post-operative instructions.
Assures the delivery of quality clinical care through participation in SP benchmarking programs.
Assures facility clinical policies and procedures are followed.
Maintains a safe clinical environment, adheres to all patient care safety requirements.
Reviews and participates in performance improvement initiatives.
Medical record documentation is accurate, legible, and in accordance with federal and accrediting standards.
Participates in quality improvement activities.

FINANCE

Conserves resources and minimizes cost when possible.
Participates and assists with implementation of cost saving initiatives for the department.
Communicates ideas for cost containment and reducing expense.
Appropriate staffing levels and overtime is below established benchmarks.
Medical record documentation should be completed accurately for all cases.

GROWTH

Through competency and customer service, employee will contribute to the growth of the facility.
Employee communicates service line development ideas with facility leadership.
Employee engages in customer service conversations with physicians as adjunct to facility marketing initiatives.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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