Provide direct patient care to pediatric through geriatric patient populations. Address the psychosocial, physical, and general aspects of care related to the surgical environment. Assist with the maintenance of recovery equipment and inventory. Participate in performance improvement activities. Responsible for monitoring patient’s physiological status in the post-operative environment. Communicate with surgeon and anesthesiologist, as needed, about patient conditions; receives direction for patient management. Intercede to maintain optimum homeostasis.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities - Pre-Operative / Post-Operative
Patient Care
- Approach patient / family in a kind, gentle, and friendly manner, while protecting patient sensitivities and right to privacy.
- Compassion and caring should be demonstrated at all times.
Procedure Preparation
Prepare patient for surgery / procedure, completing in a timely manner.This includes giving patient explanations and verbal reassurances as needed.Medications
Prepare, administer, and record medications / IV fluids, as ordered by physician / anesthesiologist, both pre and post-op.Pain medication is given only after assessment / evaluation of patient's condition.Response to pain medication is documented.Perioperative Knowledge
Demonstrate knowledge of perioperative factors that alter the immediate post-operative phase, as well as knowledge of anesthetic drugs, actions, and side effects.Physician's Orders
Responsible for execution of physician's orders and reporting patient's condition to him / her if warranted.Patient's Condition
Communicate effectively and thoroughly, the patient's condition upon transfer to another nurse.Transportation
Provide safe transportation of all patients to and from departments.Recovery
Demonstrate ability to make independent and intelligent nursing decisions in the care of the pre-op and recovery patients.Essential Duties & Responsibilities - Desk
Scheduling
Review scheduling sheets for patient appropriateness, anesthesia needs, and equipment needs.Schedule surgery / procedures for patients, taking into account specific physician and patient requests, staffing, and equipment needs.Patient Interviews
Interview patients with focus on patient history, diagnostic testing, and educational needs.Make arrangements for testing and motel requirements.Call with arrival times three days prior.Pre-Op Testing
Follow through on physician orders for tests, examinations, prescriptions, and procedure scheduling.Verify tests ordered, have been completed and posted in patient packet.Advise physician and / or patient of test results.Next Day Charts
Review / coordinate next day's charts for completion, i.e. diagnostic test results, and physician orders. Order stickers.End-of-Day Paperwork
Coordinate end-of-day distribution of paperwork, i.e. charges, dictation, scheduling sheets, and charts.Essential Duties & Responsibilities - General
Procedures
Adapt procedures to meet individual needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.Narcotics
Verify narcotics and controlled substances are accounted for and locked, per facility policy.Patient Documentation
Clearly document in charting ideas, facts, and concepts about the patient.Documentation is completed within shift; meets standards, policies, and procedures.Emergency Situations
Recognize and respond to emergency situations in an appropriate and timely manner.Computer Use
Use computer to perform department functions, i.e. forms, data entry, and scheduling.Other Duties
Perform other duties as directed / required, to ensure efficient operations of Premier Bone & Joint Centers.Adherence to Facility / Departmental Policy
Confidentiality
Observe confidentiality of information in regards to patients, physicians, and fellow employees; ability to maintain confidentiality under HIPAA standards.Attendance / Punctuality
Maintain a good attendance record and arrive to work punctually.Utilize established time clock system appropriately.Overtime
Able to substantiate overtime, minimize overtime and adjust hours as needed.Cell Phone Use
Cell phone may be used for business purposes only.Utilize cell phone for personal use only during breaks or meal periods out of the public eye.Care of Environment, Equipment & Supplies
Clean, Neat, Safe Environment
Maintain a clean, neat, and safe environment for patients and staff, including personal work areas.Office Equipment Skills / Malfunctioning Equipment
Utilizing correct / safe technique when using equipment and notify manager of malfunctioning equipment.Notify manager of malfunctioning equipmentEducation
High School Diploma or Equivalent – Required
Associate or bachelor’s Degree - Nursing Required
Experience
Experience in a Healthcare setting - Preferred
Certification & Licensures
Current State of Wyoming RN License – Required
BLS – Required (American Heart Association)
ACLS – Required (American Heart Association)
PALS – Preferred (American Heart Association)
IV Conscious Sedation Course Work – Preferred
Note : This description is intended to describe the general job duties and employment requirements for adequate job performance, and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive report. Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned at the discretion of the employees’ supervisor.
