Preop PACU Registered Nurse (RN)

McPherson Hospital•McPherson, KS

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Perioperative Registered Nurse evaluates, plans, implements, and documents nursing care for patients in the pre-operative and acute post-operative setting. The RN practices within the Kansas Nurse Practice Act and provides comprehensive, family-centered nursing care. The role coordinates surgical patient care from admission through dismissal, monitors patients’ conditions and vital signs, administers medications according to established protocols, communicates patient needs and changes in condition, and documents findings and care plans. Department-specific work includes perioperative assessments, prevention of unplanned hypothermia, and management of postoperative nausea, vomiting, pain, and comfort. The nurse also supports the perioperative team, provides patient and family education, maintains competency with relevant procedures and equipment, and takes call on rotation during unscheduled OR hours as appropriate.

Requirements

Associate degree in Nursing or equivalent formal training program.
Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the State of Kansas.
At least 6 months of experience practicing as an RN in an acute hospital setting.
ACLS and PALS verified within 6 months of hiring.
Knowledge of surgical procedures and the immediate perioperative process.
Strong communication skills.
Good organizational and time-management skills.
Computer skills related to Word, Outlook, and Windows.
Age-specific skills for infants, pediatric patients, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred.
PACU or ER experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Coordinate surgical patient care in the pre-operative and acute post-operative setting, from admission through dismissal.
Assess patients’ understanding of their plan of care and identify opportunities and materials to support their immediate post-operative hospital stay.
Administer medications according to established protocols and the five rights of medication administration.
Communicate pertinent information about patients’ conditions, needs, and care plans to doctors, nursing staff, and ancillary departments.
Document concerns, findings, and actions, and implement appropriate care plans to support continuity of care.
Assess patients’ conditions and continuously monitor changes in status, physical findings, vital signs, and coping skills.
Perform and document admissions, dismissal, and intermittent nursing assessments as appropriate to policy and patient needs.
Assess patient risk and initiate measures to prevent unplanned perioperative hypothermia and maintain normothermia between 36°C and 38°C.
Manage postoperative nausea, vomiting, pain, and comfort to help prevent prolonged stays and unanticipated admissions.
Apply knowledge of the psychological, sociological, and spiritual responses of patients and families to operative or other invasive procedures.
Maintain competency with procedures, equipment, and supplies used in the perioperative setting.
Assist perioperative staff, including surgeons, anesthesia providers, registered nurses, and surgical technologists, in providing quality surgical patient care.
Take call on rotation with other staff during unscheduled OR hours, as appropriate.
Provide postoperative education to patients and families as appropriate.
Participate in the professional development of self and team members.
Maintain confidentiality as required by HIPAA regulations and exhibit professionalism.
Perform other duties as assigned.