Job Summary: Provides direct patient care to pediatric through geriatric patient populations. Addresses the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care related to the surgical environment. Communicates with surgeon and anesthesiologist continuously and as needed about patient condition. Assists with maintenance of surgical equipment and inventory. Participates in performance improvement activities. Responsible for monitoring patient’s physiological status immediate post-operative environment. Communicates with surgeon and anesthesia providers; receives direction for patient management. Intercedes to maintain optimum homeostasis.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Approaches patient in a kind, gentle and friendly manner.
• Gives patient explanations and verbal reassurances consistently.
• Responds to patient’s inappropriate behavior in a therapeutic manner.
• Adapts nursing procedures to meet the needs for treatment of individual pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
• Demonstrates knowledge of per-operative factors that alter immediate post-operative phase.
• Utilizes nursing procedures as media for communication and interaction with patient.
• Identifies physical symptoms and changes and takes appropriate action in a timely manner.
• Completes treatments as ordered or within one hour, if appropriate.
• Demonstrates knowledge of airway management and procedures and the ability to use the equipment.
• Demonstrates ability to assess cardio-respiratory systems for changes and provides appropriate treatment.
• Observes behavioral and physiologic changes due to medications, take appropriate actions and documents.
• Adjusts and acts upon expectations of patient’s behavior according to effect medication has on patient.
• Demonstrates ability to provide specific care to post-operative pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
• Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments and special procedures.
• Carries out established techniques for safe administration of medications and parental fluids according to Hospital policies and procedures.
• Carries out safety measures to prevent patient from harming him/herself or others.
• Coordinates patient care; gives explanations and teaching to patient/family, as necessary.
• Protects patient’s sensitivities and right to privacy.
• Demonstrates knowledge of anesthetic drugs, actions and side effects.
• Demonstrates knowledge of arterial lines, closure devices for heart caths, spinal and epidural
• Catheters and how to document.
• Demonstrates ability to make independent and intelligent nursing decisions in the care of the PACU patients.
• Obtains, documents and assesses vital signs every five (5) minutes for the first 30 minutes minimum.
• Medicates post-operative patient as needed after assessment and evaluation of patient’s condition.
• Closely observes patient with minimal disturbance.
• Responds appropriately to patient in an emergency or physically distressful situation.
• Provides family with the opportunity for reciprocal communication with the nursing staff.
• Clearly documents in charting ideas, facts and concepts about the patient. Documentation is completed within shift; meets standards, policies and procedures.
• Communicates effectively and thoroughly the patient’s condition upon transfer from PACU to the receiving unit Registered Nurse.
• Notifies physician of any abnormal lab/test results.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationships with co-workers for the patients benefit. Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the Hospital as well as mission of the
• Surgical Services Department
• Maintains regulatory agency requirements, hospital and nursing policies, procedures and standards. Counts narcotics at the beginning and end of all shifts with circulating nurse, per policies and procedures.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of facts and good judgement.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of disease and surgical conditions and the care required.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of dysrhythmias, followed by appropriate treatment.
• Completes specially assigned duties consistently and as schedule allows.
• Utilizes initiative; strives to maintain steady level of productivity; self motivated. Organized and manages activities reflecting due consideration for the needs of the department and staff.
• Assists with instrument processing and sterilization. Demonstrates understanding and necessity of chemical and biological monitoring.

Professional Requirements:

• Meets dress code standards for the department; adheres to policy on “Attire in the Operating Room”.
• Completes annual educational requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements, including all state, federal and CMS regulations.
• Reports to work as scheduled, ready to receive assignment. Minimal absenteeism.
• Reports to work on time, complete work within designated time.
• Consistently completes and maintains assigned duties; maintains PAR levels.
• Wears identification while on duty; uses computerized time system correctly.
• Attends annual Hospital Review and Department in-services as scheduled.
• Attends monthly staff meetings.
• Actively participates in the Surgical Services Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities.
• Continues on-going cross-training to circulating position. Assists circulators as needed.
• Maintains and ensures patient confidentiality and patient’s records at all times.
• Communicates the mission, vision, ethics, core values and goals of the hospital as well as the mission of the Department.
• Communicates verbally, electronically, and in writing – clearly, completely, accurately, succinctly and timely.
• Meets physical demands of job.
• Completes other duties as assigned by Chief Nursing Officer within the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
• Works at maintaining a good rapport and a cooperative working relationship with physicians, departments and staff.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Ensures compliance with policies and procedures regarding department operations, fire, safety and infection control.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.

Regulatory Requirements:

• Current Registered Nurse licensure in the State of Kansas
• certification.
• Current BLS certification.
• Current ACLS certification
• Current PALS
• Minimum of one year work experience as an RN.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read and communicate effectively in English.
• Additional languages preferred.

Skills:

• Excellent patient care
• Basic computer knowledge.

Working Conditions:

Work is conducted in a clinical setting requiring extended periods of time walking and standing. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care. Employee may be exposed to infectious and contagious diseases, exposed to hazardous cleaning agents, body fluids and waste, occasional exposure to an unpleasant patient or unit elements. Employee will be required to exert 20-50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10-25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly. Employees may be required to exceed these levels and are also provided lift assists in patient care areas. These are baseline requirements for adequate performance of this job. Job duties are based on an average 8-hour shift but are subject to change dependent upon staffing volumes or other variables determined by the unit nurse manager, house supervisor, or Chief Nursing Officer.