RN - Pre/Post Surgery Nurse in Chadron, Nebraska at Chadron Community Hospital, Corp.

PRN, 0-19 hours or Part-Time, 20-29 hours a week, Monday-Friday

Benefited position after 60-day waiting period for part-time position

JOB SUMMARY:

Pre-op RN works under the supervision of the Director of Surgery. The Pre-op RN ensures completion of Pre-op Assessments, that operative requirements are on the patient chart, and that they are within acceptable time frame requirements.

Post Anesthesia Recovery Unit (PACU) RN works under supervision of the Director of Surgery and the CRNA. The immediate post-anesthesia phase presents many complex challenges that require special clinical interventions and nursing expertise. The RN must have an in-depth knowledge of the process of anesthesia, anesthesia types and actions, emergency drugs and potential complications and emergency treatment for complications. Responsible for the safe recovery of patients who have undergone anesthesia. Knowledge in recognizing potentially threatening situations before they arise.

SPECIFICATIONS: Responsible for the delivery of safe, effective, and quality patient-family centered care in the surgery department and other areas of perioperative services for all patient populations.

PRIMARY NURSING RESPONSIBILITIES:

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PRE/POST ANESTHESIA RN(Pre-op):

• Maintains area in a state of readiness by ensuring that all necessary equipment is available and in good working order, with age specific supplies ready for use as needed.
• 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.
• · Order acknowledged and initiated
• · Medication review
• · History and procedure review
• · Confirmation of ordered labs/test results on chart.
• · Respects the patient’s right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
• · Assists the patient in undressing if needed and stores/secures belongings appropriately.
• 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.
• · Placement of Allergy band, Limb band, DNR band on patient as indicated
• Performs pre-operative instruction and explanation of procedures and patient’s rights.
• Ensures that patients are seen by the surgeon and anesthesia provider prior to being taken to the operating room (OR).
• Sets priorities to facilitate the timely and efficient flow of patents throughout the day.
• Carries out physician/anesthesia orders.
• Records pertinent patient information on Electronic Medical Record.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF POST ANESTHESIA RN(PACU/Post-op):

• Maintains the PACU area in a state of readiness ensuring that all necessary equipment is available and in good working order, with age specific supplies ready for use as needed.
• Responsible for the safety of the patient from the emergence of anesthesia
• CRNA reports to the RN post-op:
• · The extent of the surgical procedure
• · The anesthetic agent used
• · Type of anesthesia technique
• · Fluid therapy and amounts infused
• · Estimated blood loss
• · Level of consciousness
• · Level of comfort
• · Muscular response
• · Any complications occurring intraoperatively
• 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
• Performs initial and ongoing assessments
• Perform initial and ongoing vital signs and Aldrete
• Observing patients for side effects of anesthesia
• Monitoring patient’s level of consciousness throughout recovery
• Performing post-operative tasks, such as administering medication or changing dressings
• Reports any changes in the patient’s condition to the surgeon and/or CRNA.
• Discharges the patient from the Post-Anesthesia Unit when the patient exhibits the appropriate parameters. Checking and updating patient files, charts and medical records
• Collaborating with surgeons, anesthetists, physicians and other members of the patient’s care team
• Providing comfort and answering questions when patients wake from sedation
• Educating patients and their families regarding post-surgery care at home

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

· Associate degree (or higher) in Nursing

· Graduate of accredited School of Nursing, Registered Nurse Program.

· Current Registered Nurse Licensure Nebraska without restrictions.

· Basic Life Support Certification (BLS)

· Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS)

· Basic Computer skills (Microsoft Word, Excel)

EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:

• Two years of Perioperative Services experience
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification (PALS) obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Certification (NRP) obtain within 3 months of hire.

· Experience with CERNER Charting System preferred