RN PreOp

JOB TITLE: Pre-Operative Registered Nurse 

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:  

Assists in provision of nursing care to patients in an ambulatory surgical setting.  Assumes total responsibility for patient care in accordance with physician’s orders and center’s policies.  Monitors and controls use of and charging for supplies utilized in the center.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:  Supervisor of Clinical Services 

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Current Registered Nurse License
• Current American Heart Assn. BLS and ACLS certifications 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS / PRE-ADMISSION PHONE / CLINICAL: 

• Conduct phone assessment or interview for each surgical patient to obtain medical/surgical/social history and medication list
• Facilitate completion, or in some instances, perform basic pre-op diagnostic tests
• Review patient medical record for appropriate lab, x-ray, and EKG.
• Supply physician offices with the results of all lab, x-ray, and EKG reports via fax, e-mail or e-fax.
• Ensure that all appropriate orders, consents, medical and medication histories, and testing results are completed and in the patient s chart prior to the date of service.
• Communicate abnormal results and medical issues to the appropriate personnel and physicians.
• Provide pre-operative instructions pertaining to the individual and treatment to be provided.
• Answer patient questions.
• Assesses, develops and implements total nursing care for the pre-operative patient

• Records and reports to appropriate persons all symptoms, reactions, abnormalities and changes in the physical and/or mental conditions of the patients
• Administers medications and treatments ordered by the physician.
• Cares and discharges pre-operative patients according to facility policies.
• Reviews the pre-operative patient’s chart for accuracy and completeness
• Ascertains surgical consent is completed accurately, comparing it to the physician’s order and O.R. schedule
• Ascertains all pre-operative (lab work, chest x-ray, EKG, H&P) work up, if applicable is in the chart and reports abnormal findings to the anesthesiologist and/or surgeon prior to the scheduled day of surgery
• Reports pertinent pre-operative information to the O.R. nurse
• Obtains and labels personal belongings bag and assists patient in proper O.R. dress attire
• Registration form and pre-operative worksheet
• Administers pre-operative sedation
• An order always precedes the administration of medication
• Allergies questioned prior to administration of medication
• Intended action and side effects to medications are known
• Medication is documented on Pre-Operative worksheet including does time, and method of administration
• Functions independently in emergency situations
• Displays proficiency in nursing skills with emergency situations
• Able to make logical and quick decisions based on sound judgment
• Maintain patient and employee privacy and confidential information provided psychological support to patients and/or families
• Maintains rapport with physicians and medical departments which provide services to complete to pre-operative work up i.e. (reference lab, outside radiology services)
• Maintains competence through continuing education
• Meets requirements for CEU re-licensure
• Attends all facility in-services
• Assists in orientation of new employees as directed
• Maintains supplies and cleanliness in the work environment
• Reports and labels any malfunctioning or broken equipment
• Works within the established facility and departmental safety guidelines
• Performs other duties as assigned 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of healthcare products, stock rotation procedures, storage systems, inventory supplements, preference card management and credit.
• Knowledge of medical terminology as related to healthcare products.
• Knowledge of inventory control procedures.
• Hands-on, a self-starter with the ability to multi-task, be detailed oriented and possess superior organization and communication skills.
• Must be able to handle a large volume of detailed work accurately.
• Must have working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Must have superior leadership, communication and organizational skills. 
• Must be able to bend, stoop, lift, and handle all supplies. 
• Must have a strong ability to interact with co-workers, vendors, and management on a regular basis and in a pleasant and efficient manner.
• Ability to perform simple mathematical functions.
• Ability to perform data entry procedures and both equipment and supply tracking. 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:  Requires sitting and standing associated with a normal office environment. 

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:  Normal busy office environment with much telephone work. 

Benefits:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with an employer contribution
• Life Insurance 
• PTO
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match
• And more 

 Equal Employment Opportunity & Work Force Diversity

Our organization is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, creed, sex, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, parental status, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic testing results or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.  This practice relates to all personnel matters such as compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, layoffs, etc.  Furthermore, our organization is committed to going beyond the legal requirements of equal employment opportunity to take positive actions which ensure diversity in the workplace and result in a multi-cultural organization.

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements.  Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.