RN Pre-Op & Recovery

Surgery Partners•Wilmington, DE

About The Position

The RN Pre-Op & PACU nurse ensures patient safety throughout the continuum of peri-anesthesia care. The role prepares patients for invasive procedures by providing education, conducting health assessments, and developing individualized plans of care. The nurse also monitors patients following surgical procedures and ensures patients and their designated caregivers are prepared for discharge and understand post-operative care and follow-up instructions. The nurse performs pre-procedure assessments, prepares patients for surgery, monitors patients after anesthesia or sedation, provides pain management and comfort measures, and documents care in the medical record. The role requires sound clinical judgment, effective communication, collaboration with the care team, and compliance with facility policies and applicable regulatory standards.

Requirements

Current, active Registered Nurse license issued by the applicable State Board of Nursing.
Current BLS certification.
Current ACLS certification.
Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program.
Ability to make sound and reasonable clinical decisions.
Ability to concentrate on individual patient care and perform calmly under pressure.
Accountability, professionalism, adaptability, and openness to change.
Ability to manage stressful situations effectively, with tact and professionalism.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with physicians, hospital partners, and ASC staff.
Working knowledge of computers and internet applications.
Ability to learn and use electronic medical record (EMR) systems and other healthcare software applications.
Visual and hearing abilities sufficient to safely perform patient care activities.

Responsibilities

Perform pre-procedure assessments and formulate individualized plans of care based on patients’ physical, psychosocial, cultural, safety, pain management, and educational needs.
Prepare patients for surgical procedures and provide pre-operative education and instructions.
Document assessments and care plans thoroughly and accurately in the medical record.
Assess and monitor post-anesthesia and sedated patients throughout their stay in the PACU.
Provide post-operative pain management and comfort measures.
Assess patients for discharge readiness and ensure patients and caregivers understand discharge instructions and follow-up care requirements.
Document post-operative care and interventions in the medical record.
Recognize potential emergencies and use clinical judgment and professional expertise to respond appropriately.
Maintain knowledge of anesthesia techniques and associated complications, signs and symptoms of impending shock, respiratory compromise, and airway management.
Comply with facility policies for patient safety, infection prevention and control, and risk management, as well as applicable CMS, State, CDC, and AAAHC standards and regulations.
Communicate effectively and interact professionally, courteously, and respectfully with patients, physicians, coworkers, and guests.
Work collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors, physicians, and hospital partners to improve patient-care quality, effectiveness, and efficiency.
Support clinical and non-clinical team members and assist as needed to help ensure smooth daily operations.
Strive to exceed patient and physician satisfaction expectations and quality benchmarks.