Registered Nurse - PreOp PACU

MANHATTAN SURGICAL HOSPITAL LLC • Manhattan, KS

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse (RN) opening the PACU/Pre-op/Step-down for the day is responsible for preparing the area to receive surgical patients, ensuring all necessary supplies and equipment are ready. This includes checking the crash cart, oxygen tank, restocking fluids, and verifying drug expiration dates. The role involves making pre- and post-operative phone calls to patients, providing post-operative care such as airway maintenance, vital sign stabilization, pain and nausea control, and patient orientation. Additionally, the RN assesses patients' physical and emotional needs, confirms essential health information, performs necessary medical tests, and initiates IVs as ordered. The position requires adherence to privacy, dignity, and confidentiality policies, as well as facility procedures for pre-operative instructions and explanations. The RN educates patients and their responsible adults on the perioperative experience and post-operative home care, obtains discharge orders, and makes follow-up calls to check on patient condition. Responsibilities also include assisting with nerve blocks, cleaning and restocking the unit, preparing the area for the next day, and ensuring all equipment and supplies are secured. The RN is expected to attend staff meetings, participate in quality improvement initiatives, report incidents, and respond to emergencies. Other duties as assigned are also part of the role.

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 O2 tank.
• Restock refrigerator with fluid supply.
• Readies area to receive patients from surgery.
• Checks drug out-dates monthly.
• Makes Pre- and post-operative phone calls to patients.
• Provides post-operative care including airway maintenance, stabilization of vital signs, safe emergence from anesthesia, control of pain and nausea, orientation to surroundings, and administration of special equipment.
• Offers nourishments.
• Reviews anesthesia health history.
• Checks schedule against pre-op phone call.
• Checks for H&Ps.
• Makes pre-op phone calls when indicated.
• Assesses physical and emotional needs of patients and implements appropriate measures.
• Confirms patient information including allergies, medications, dentures, contacts, glasses, pertinent medical conditions, and medical history.
• Confirms consent and operative side.
• Confirms responsible party.
• Obtains VS (age specific), temperature, weight and height.
• Performs Accu-Chek for blood sugar, if applicable.
• Performs pregnancy test, if applicable.
• Starts IV on all patients, except those who have an order not to start an IV.
• Utilizes anesthesia orders regarding IV fluids and catheter size.
• Respects patients’ right to privacy, dignity, and confidentiality.
• Assists the patient to undress, if patient needs assistance, and gives locker key to patient’s family or places key on front of charts.
• Follows appropriate Pre-Op/Admitting policies and procedures.
• Performs pre-operative instruction and explanation according to facility policy and procedure.
• Provides preoperative instruction and explanation of patient rights and Responsibilities.
• Describes the perioperative experience to the patient and the participation of the significant other.
• Completes the nursing pre-assessment record.
• Follows proper procedures regarding exposure to Category I tasks.
• Follows proper procedures for handling hazardous waste materials.
• Documents vital signs, nurse's notes and drugs administered on the appropriate record.
• Notes and follows providers orders (Both surgeons and anesthesia provider).
• Reviews discharge instructions and educates patient and/or responsible adult.
• Obtains discharge order from anesthesia provider or surgeon (if local anesthesia) prior to discharge.
• Makes Post Op calls of previous days' patients to check patient's condition.
• Records patient reports and any complications.
• Proper documentation on all transfers to a higher level of care and files QA Variance Report with Supervisor.
• Assists with nerve blocks performed by anesthesia providers in the Pre-Op /PACU area.
• Cleans stretchers, bays & equipment after each patient and restock supplies.
• Cleans the Pre-op, PACU, and Step-down areas and prepares it for the following day.
• Locks drug cupboards.
• Deposit keys in locked box.
• Turns off all appropriate appliances.
• Secures medical charts, prescription pads.
• Closes supply closet door.
• Logs off computers.
• Turn off all lights.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings and staff development programs, including mandatory ones.
• Participates in CQI process and activities.
• Reports and completes appropriate forms for incidents related to patients, visitors, and employees.
• Is knowledgeable about and responsive to emergency situations, i.e., cardiac arrest.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed