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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
The Pre-Operative Nurse is responsible for preparing patients for their surgical procedure.Â
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Greets patient and escorts them from the waiting room to the pre-operative area.
- Identifies the patient, applies arm band, and initiates nursing documentation in the patient's medical record.
- Assures belongings are properly labeled and placed in safe place.
- Questions patient on allergies, last intake of food or drink, and charts responses.
- Verifies the operative consent indicates the correct procedure and surgeon's name and obtains the dated and timed signature of the patient, parent and/or legal representative.
- Verifies the chart has a history and physical which was completed within the past 30 days. Notifies the anesthesiologist and/or surgeon of deficiencies when applicable.
- Takes vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, pulse, pulse oximeter, and respirations) and documents on arrival and as necessary.
- Completes the pre-operative check list.
- Reviews the chart to verify the results of any pre-op laboratory work has been received and that any abnormal values have been reviewed by the anesthesiologist and/or surgeon, as reflected in the medical record documentation. Notifies the anesthesiologist/surgeon of such reports as necessary.
- Verifies physician's orders and performs procedures as ordered.
- Administers pre-operative medications per physician's orders.
- Prepares the area as designated by procedure and chart.
- Communicates with OR personnel about any problems which arise.
- Performs the duties of the PACU nurse as assigned by the Clinical Director/ Coordinator.
- Tags and removes malfunctioning equipment from the clinical area, and reports to the Clinical Director/ Coordinator as soon as possible.
- Assists with receiving and storing supplies.
- Assists with preparation of the Pre-Operative and PACU areas for the next day.
- Disposes of contaminated needle containers in appropriate receptacle in accordance with safety procedures.
- Conducts the pre-operative patient assessment according to facility policy and anesthesia guidelines.
- Participates in committees as assigned.
- Assists with other duties as assigned.
- Participates in Adverse Incident reporting process.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Current unrestricted licensure in Virginia as a Registered Nurse.
- Current BLS certification.
- ACLS certification preferred within six (6) months of date of hire.
- PALS certification preferred.
- At least one (1) year previous work experience in an ambulatory surgery setting or acute hospital recovery room or operating room.
- Mental and physical health sufficient to meet the demands of the position.
ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS
- Well-lighted, well-ventilated, adequate space.
- Some exposure to communicable diseases and other conditions common to a surgery center setting.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS
- Requires sitting, standing, bending, and reaching 6-8 hours of the day.
- Intermittent physical mobility/activity including walking, standing, sitting, light lifting, pulling, or pushing of carts, equipment, etc. Must be able to bend body downward at the waist; be able to kneel.
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