RN - SURGERY CENTER Pre Op/PACU- Full Time

UHS•Riverside, CA

55d•Onsite

About The Position

SUMMARY: Responsible for coordinating and facilitating the admission process for pre-scheduled patients to the Surgery Center. Reviews patient information for admissions and initiates communication with licensed independent practitioners (LIP) to ensure proper admission criteria. Collects, reviews and evaluates information for the pre-scheduled patient and organizes the admission chart. Communicates pertinent information to the LIP and appropriate nursing unit. Tracks pre-admission charts for missing documents prior to surgery. Takes LIP orders for admissions, medications and treatments. Conducts pre-operative teaching for surgery patients. Serves as resource person to PACU Coordinator and may functions in pre-, intra-, or post-operative care, and may work with patients throughout each phase of the operative experience. Provides and monitors safe, cost-effective patient care in accordance with the R.N. scope of practice and adherence to the organization’s nursing policy and procedures. May be required to scrub and circulate in the Operating Room assisting the physician.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing, (ASN or BSN) required.
MUST HAVE 1 YEAR WITHIN THE LAST 2 YEARS, PACU, ICU, ED STEPDOWN EXPERIENCE.
Current California Registered Nurse license required, current AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Professional (AHA BLS Healthcare) - American Heart Association, ACLS Certification (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - American Heart Association, PALS Certification (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) – American Heart Association and IV certification required.

Responsibilities

Explain procedures and treatments to patients and their family in order to gain cooperation, understanding, and allay apprehension. Provide patient education using approved materials and methods to enhance outcomes.
Administer prescribed medication orally by injection or IV and document according to RMC policy and procedures. Observe patient and report any adverse reactions.
Initiate intravenous lines, add plan IV fluids to existing lines, and discontinue lines under the direction of the Physician or an Allied Health Professional (must be IV certified). Rush medications when ordered.
Respond to life saving situations based upon nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocol.
Complete all documentation to ensure accurate medical records. Assure that physician has signed chart; review physician orders to verify that all orders have been carried out. Return patient chart to medical records.
Demonstrate knowledge of safe practices in handling and administering medications.
Utilize infection control measures according to policy.
Function in the scope of practice as a licensed Registered Nurse in the State of California.9. Prepares admission charts for pre-scheduled patients to include LIP orders, laboratory results, EKGs, X-rays and other data necessary for admission
Reviews patient medical record prior to visit to ensure chart readiness for admission to Surgery Center.
Assimilates and coordinates patient information for pre-scheduled procedures and admissions.
Assists with the pre-admission criteria requirements by coordinating services, obtaining orders from LIP, submitting order entries and communicating with patients of needed services.
Acts as liaison between the LIP, their office staff, nursing units and Admitting to facilitate patient placement, evaluate levels of service and patient needs.
Telephones or conducts in person pre-admission interview and documents accordingly.
Communicates appropriate information to the nursing units to assist in expedient patient placement.
Communicates pertinent pre-operative and pre-admission information to the LIP, nursing units and anesthesia department.
Communicates with PACU Coordinator regarding patient situations.
Conducts pre-operative teaching for patients scheduled for procedures using established guidelines.
Initiates discharge planning during the pre-operative interview and refers to appropriate resources as necessary.
When at all possible, communicate with patients that have undergone surgery/procedures 24 hours after their visit and complete post-procedural follow-up form. Function as triage nurse when necessary.
Respond to life saving situations based upon nursing standards, policies, procedures and protocol.
Coordinate with Admitting/Scheduling, OR Departments and patients any coverage matters relating to benefits, insurance or payments.
Assist Pre and Post-Anesthesia Care Units as assigned and other duties as assigned by nursing coordinator/charge nurse.