Registered Nurse PreOp PACU

Townsen Memorial Hospital•The Woodlands, TX

22h

About The Position

Townsen Memorial Surgery Center - Woodlands is seeking a full-time Registered Nurse PreOp PACU. The role admits patients to the clinical area and provides nursing care to pre-operative and post-operative patients, including developing an individualized nursing care plan. The center uses a teamwork-based staffing model; employees may be cross-trained in other clinical areas and may perform duties outside their usual role as staffing and patient needs change. The nurse is responsible for maintaining a clean, therapeutic care environment; preparing patients for procedures; assessing and monitoring patient needs and condition; implementing physician orders; educating and supporting patients and families; and documenting care accurately. The role requires collaboration with physicians, anesthesiologists, operating room staff, patients, families, and other center employees, as well as sound clinical judgment, flexibility, and adherence to facility policies, safety practices, and HIPAA requirements. A current, active, unrestricted Texas RN license is required. Applicants must have at least an associate degree, two years of recent peri-operative experience, and current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications. Compensation will be determined based on applicant qualifications, internal equity, and market data. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check and drug screening.

Requirements

Current, active, unrestricted Registered Nurse license issued by the State of Texas, maintained active and unencumbered during employment.
College degree required; minimum of an associate degree.
At least 2 years of recent experience in a peri-operative environment.
Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications.
Knowledge of computers and relevant software applications.
Strong attention to detail and thoroughness in completing work tasks.
Ability to diagnose, plan, and implement nursing interventions and evaluate patient condition.
Ability to practice within the Texas Nurse Practice Act and accept responsibility and accountability for one's actions.
Ability to communicate effectively and practice collaborative nursing.
Ability to respond quickly, physically and mentally, when priorities or patient conditions change.
Ability to remain composed and deal calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Ability to adapt flexibly to change and variety in the workplace.
Ability to work independently with little or no supervision.
Ability to maintain organized systems that support timely patient flow and to maintain records.
Ability to lift 50 lbs., carry 35 lbs., push and pull 25 lbs., and lift 25 lbs. overhead.
Ability to perform repetitive standing, sitting, stooping, walking, stretching, and reaching.
Ability to clean, maintain, and make minor adjustments to equipment.
Excellent, polished patient interaction skills and professional communication with patients.
Exceptional customer service and phone etiquette.
Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, and Word) and Vision (EMR).
Energetic, with a desire to learn and develop new skills.
Compliance with facility policies and procedures and continuing and mandatory education programs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Maintain a clean and therapeutic environment in the pre-operative, post-operative, and observation/inpatient areas.
Provide patient instructions as directed by a physician or physician assistant.
Ensure that needed supplies and equipment are available and in good working order.
Admit patients to the unit and prepare them for scheduled procedures.
Assess patients, determine nursing needs, and communicate additional discharge needs when applicable.
Explain nursing procedures and actions to help reduce patient anxiety.
Identify patients’ physical and mental status, monitor their medical condition, and report significant changes to the admitting physician or anesthesiologist.
Ensure surgical consent, pre-operative test results, and the History and Physical are in the medical record before the proposed procedure.
Make pre-operative and post-operative calls to patients.
Communicate important health history facts to the operating room nurse or medical director.
Provide emotional support to patients and family members as needed.
Document care accurately and concisely in the medical record and other required records.
Implement physician orders in a timely and accurate manner.
Educate patients and families.
Maintain effective working relationships with patients, families, visitors, and center employees.
Maintain clinical competencies, including general, age-specific, and drug-administration competencies.
Apply clinical problem-solving, critical thinking, and evidence-based analysis to decisions.
Plan for routine events and anticipate, prevent, manage, and evaluate emergent situations.
Complete patient-care responsibilities promptly, with accurate documentation.
Use downtime efficiently, remain aware of team members’ workloads, and respond positively to requests for assistance.
Adapt to unexpected changes and various work schedules to support high-quality care.
Protect patient and family privacy and maintain record confidentiality in accordance with policies, procedures, and HIPAA requirements.
Follow workplace safety rules, promptly report accidents, correct minor safety hazards, and communicate identified hazards to peers and management.
Maintain center and departmental policies and procedures and adhere to company standards of business conduct.
Perform other related duties as assigned to support the hospital.
Complete additional educational requirements by assigned due dates.