Clinical Coordinator PreOp/PACU

Illinois Sports Med & Ortho Surgery Ctr•Morton Grove, IL

About The Position

The Clinical Coordinator (usually a Registered Nurse) is to provide coordination of therapeutic, effective patient/family-centered care according to physician orders, in compliance with the philosophy of the facility, standards of practice and regulations of governing agencies. Apply knowledge of the nursing process, illness, surgical procedures and anesthesia practice to the patient admissions process. The responsibility of this position includes communication with all staff members, management, physicians, anesthesia care providers, and the patient. Assess the patient and document the admission assessment process according to AORN Standards and Recommended Practice. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, initiate and implement patient care based on this assessment process.

Requirements

Associate degree (AA) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school, preferably with a RN degree.
Two- or three-years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Graduate of an accredited nursing institution, preferred.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents.
Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from patients, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community.
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of the organization.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
Ability to compute ratio, rate, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry.
Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, rations, and proportions to practical situations.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables
Current license as a Registered Nurse in the state of Illinois
BLS certification within 6 months of hire
Understanding and commitment to the mission, values, and philosophy of the organization.
Awareness of changing trends in nursing practice and ability to adapt
Knowledge and skills to provide patient care appropriate to specific location and patient population.
Ability to function effectively in stressful situations.
Ability to communicate in verbal and written methods
Ability and willingness to adjust schedule (trade or work extra) to meet the needs of the facility
Ability to work under supervision as well as ability to oversee others
Evidence of continued education in clinical nursing and universal precautions
Ability to set priorities
Ability to communicate well with patients, families, co-workers, etc.
Superior interpersonal skills

Responsibilities

Maintaining clinical, communication and personal knowledge and skills required to meet the challenge of delivering safe and effective patient care.
Assisting with daily staffing, patient/physician/employee issues in conjunction with the Director of Nursing and Administrator.
Coordinating staffing scheduled for assigned areas based on census, coordinates lunches and breaks.
Oversight of utilization of the nursing process in all aspects of the delivery of patient care and completion of all activities according to established policy, procedure, and protocol.
Communicates accurate and timely information regarding patients and their care and/or their significant others
Records pertinent information clearly, accurately and in a timely manner
Utilities appropriate lines of communication
Assess the health status of the patient by collecting data via patient interview, performance of a physical assessment for all age groups according to the plan of care, review of records
Organizes a plan of care that incorporates physician prescribed treatments, nursing assignments and diagnostic date in a manner that is prioritized, timely & integrated with the pre-operative plan of care
Implements, documents, and evaluates the plan of care in a manner that reflects management of identified problems, observations of patient’s response to treatment, integration of physician’s orders into the plan, appropriate prioritization, collaboration with physicians and other members of the team, knowledge of appropriate administration of medications and treatments according to policy, procedure, and protocol, and re-evaluates and modifies the plan of care as indicated
Participates in appropriate patient safety procedures
Ensures that appropriate documentation is completed
Accepts responsibility for nursing activities related to the care of the patient
Demonstrates appropriate judgment and decision-making skills
Acts as the patient’s advocate in meeting his/her physical and psychological needs
Serves as a preceptor and orients new members
Demonstrates effective communication skills and the ability to recognize and intervene in stressful situations involving the patient, significant other and/or team members
Creates and maintains a safe and comfortable environment in which surgery can take place
Acts as patient advocate, as applied to pre-operative coordination nursing
Treats patients respectively, in a calm and courteous manner at all times
Recognizes and anticipates potential situations, institutes established procedures for specific situations
Completes self-assessment of procedural competency, practicing within his/her scope of practice and knowledge. Seeks out assistance when unfamiliar or uncomfortable with situations or circumstances within his/her responsibilities
Anticipates and assists anesthesia staff with gathering the necessary data for anesthesia metric qualifications approved by the Medical Executive Committee regarding Anesthesia Admission guidelines
Documents and records patient pre-op clearance information
Provides a channel of communication between events and team members prior to the surgical date
Responsible for documenting accurate, timely data
Makes certain patient’s chart is complete prior admission to the surgery center
Explains any procedure and day of admission questions to the patient and/or family member
Explains pre-operative orders per the respective physician
Liaison between the center, the surgeon, anesthesia team and patient before admission to the surgery center
Keeps work area stocked with appropriate supplies and orders when below usage level
Oversees professional and nonprofessional personnel. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include training employees, assisting when applicable assigning and directing work.