Registered Nurse - Pre-Op/PACU

MANHATTAN SURGICAL HOSPITAL LLC•Manhattan, KS

20h•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse in Pre-Op/PACU is responsible for comprehensive patient care before and after surgical procedures. This includes preparing the Pre-op and PACU areas, ensuring equipment readiness, and managing supplies. Key duties involve pre-operative patient assessment, education, and preparation, such as reviewing health history, confirming consents, obtaining vital signs, and initiating IVs. Post-operatively, the RN focuses on airway maintenance, vital sign stabilization, pain and nausea control, and patient orientation, as well as providing discharge instructions and follow-up calls. The role also involves maintaining a clean and stocked environment, proper documentation, and adherence to safety protocols, including participation in staff meetings, CQI processes, and emergency response.

Requirements

Licensed as Registered Nurse in the State of Kansas
Current CPR certification
ACLS certification
PALS certification
Demonstrate ability to stand and/or walk at least five hours per day
Demonstrates ability to lift and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis
Demonstrates ability to push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis

Responsibilities

Check crash cart and 02 tank
Restock refrigerator with fluid supply
Ready area to receive patients from surgery
Check drug out-dates monthly
Make Pre- and post-operative phone calls to patients
Provide post-operative care of the surgical patient including airway maintenance, stabilization of vital signs, safe emergence from anesthesia, control of pain and nausea by administration of drugs, orientation to surroundings, administration of special equipment (i.e., ice bags, post-op shoes, slings), and offering nourishments
Review anesthesia health history
Check schedule against pre-op phone call
Check for H&P's
Make pre-op phone calls when indicated
Assess physical and emotional needs of patients and implement appropriate measures needed
Confirm patient information including allergies, medications taken day of surgery prior to arrival, dentures/contacts/glasses, pertinent medical conditions, pertinent current/past medical history, confirmation of consent and operative side, and confirmation of responsible party
Obtain VS (age specific), temperature, weight and height
Perform Accu-Chek for blood sugar, if applicable
Perform pregnancy test, if applicable
Start IV on all patients, except those who have an order not to start an IV
Utilize anesthesia orders regarding IV fluids and catheter size
Respect patients’ right to privacy, dignity, and confidentiality
Assist the patient to undress, if patient needs assistance, and give locker key to patient’s family or place key on front of charts
Follow appropriate Pre-Op/Admitting policies and procedures
Perform pre-operative instruction and explanation according to facility policy and procedure
Provide preoperative instruction and explanation of patient rights and Responsibilities
Describe the perioperative experience to the patient and the participation of the significant other, including what to expect before, during and after the procedure
Complete the nursing pre-assessment record
Follow proper procedures regarding exposure to Category I tasks
Follow proper procedures for handling hazardous waste materials
Document vital signs, nurse's notes and drugs administered on the appropriate record
Note and follow providers orders (Both surgeons and anesthesia provider)
Review discharge instructions and educate patient and/or responsible adult with appropriate information to alleviate fears and maintain optimal post-op care in the home environment
Obtain discharge order from anesthesia provider or surgeon (if local anesthesia) prior to discharge
Make Post Op calls of previous days' patients to check patient's condition
Record patient reports and any complications
Properly document all transfers to a higher level of care and file QA Variance Report with Supervisor
Assist with nerve blocks performed by anesthesia providers in the Pre-Op /PACU area
Clean stretchers, bays & equipment after each patient and restock supplies
Clean the Pre-op, PACU, and Step-down areas and prepare it for the following day
Lock drug cupboards
Deposit keys in locked box
Turn off all appropriate appliances
Secure medical charts, prescription pads
Close supply closet door
Log off computers
Turn off all lights
Attend and participate in staff meetings and staff development programs, including mandatory ones
Participate in CQI process and activities
Report and complete appropriate forms for incidents related to patients, visitors, and employees
Be knowledgeable about and responsive to emergency situations, i.e., cardiac arrest
Perform other duties as assigned