RN PREOP PACU PAT

Legent Health•Tomball, TX

About The Position

The PAT/PreOp/PACU RN provides pre-operative screening and care for surgical patients and post-anesthesia care for patients recovering from surgery. The role supports patients as they emerge from anesthesia, helps address their needs during the first hours after surgery, and administers medications as appropriate. The nurse also helps patients understand the surgical process and their post-surgical care plan. Responsibilities span pre-admission testing, preoperative preparation, and post-operative recovery. The nurse conducts intake assessments and interviews, obtains medical histories, performs ordered tests, prepares patients for procedures, monitors their recovery, documents findings, educates patients and families, and responds to post-operative emergencies. Care is individualized according to each patient’s condition and care plan.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
Current and active BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications.
Current and valid nursing license in good standing with the state licensing board.
Two to three years of experience in critical care nursing.
Cognitive skills related to the position.

Responsibilities

Oversee patient intake, perform initial physical assessments, and obtain medical histories during pre-admission testing.
Perform surgeon-ordered tests, such as EKGs, and draw blood for laboratory work when required.
Explain the surgical process, answer patient questions, and discuss post-surgical care plans.
Manage patients’ admission to the preoperative department.
Assess patients’ health status and verify the accuracy of identification wristbands.
Ensure operative and informed consents are in order and confirm the surgeon and planned procedure.
Take and record patients’ vital signs to assess readiness for surgery.
Initiate IVs and inform patients about the procedure and attending medical staff.
Assess patients after surgery and ensure their vital signs are within normal ranges.
Document findings in patient files, including sedation levels and body temperature.
Answer patients’ questions and help keep them comfortable during recovery.
Check relevant IVs, manage blood and fluid transfusions, and draw specimens.
Develop individualized care plans and carry out nursing activities according to those plans.
Monitor patients for changes in condition and report changes to the doctor.
Educate patients and families about procedures and medications.
Determine when patients are ready to be moved to their rooms.
Perform interventions during post-operative emergencies.
Keep the post-operative space clean and sanitized.
Change bandages and dress surgical wounds.