REGISTERED NURSE- IRU/PROCEDURAL CARE (12 HRS/WK NIGHTS)

Overview

The Registered Nurse (RN) in the Pre/Post Procedural Unit is responsible for prepping, recovering, and providing patient care in a multi-procedural setting. This role includes preparing patients for their procedures, monitoring them throughout their recovery, and ensuring a safe transition to discharge or further care. The RN collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality care, utilizing clinical knowledge to support complex procedural patients in a fast-paced environment.

Essential Duties

• Patient Assessment, Monitoring, and Care Planning:
  • Perform comprehensive initial and ongoing assessments of patients post-procedure, monitoring vital signs, level of consciousness, pain levels, and overall recovery progress.
    • Recognize and respond to changes in patient condition, implementing interventions as needed, and escalate care to the appropriate medical providers when necessary.
      • Develop and implement individualized care plans based on the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of the patient in collaboration with the healthcare team.

Post-Procedural Care And Treatment Administration:

• Administer prescribed medications, treatments, and procedures, including IV medications, pain management, and sedation reversal as appropriate.
  • Provide wound care and ensure all surgical sites are properly monitored for signs of infection or complications.
    • Continuously monitor patients responses to treatments and adjust care plans as necessary to ensure optimal outcomes.

Patient Education And Support:

• Educate patients and families on post-procedural care, medications, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.
  • Provide compassionate support and clear instructions to ease patient and family anxiety, promoting a smooth recovery process.
    • Offer resources and guidance for managing health and recovery post-discharge.

Collaboration And Coordination Of Care:

• Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, and other members of the healthcare team to create and implement patient care plans.
  • Assist in coordinating patient transfers to other units or facilitate discharge planning as necessary, ensuring continuity of care.
    • Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss patient progress and treatment adjustments.

Emergency Response And Infection Control:

• Respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies, performing life-saving procedures and stabilizing patients as required.
  • Adhere to infection control protocols to ensure a safe and clean environment for patients and staff, implementing standard precautions and safety measures to prevent infection spread.

Non-Essential Duties

• Maintain accurate and detailed patient records, including documentation of care plans, interventions, and patient progress.
  • Document patient assessments, interventions, medication administration, and updates to care plans in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Participate in ongoing education and training to stay current with best practices and advancements in nursing care.
  • Engage in team meetings and contribute to the continuous improvement of care delivery processes.
• Engage with patients and families in a manner that promotes comfort, trust, and understanding.
  • Address patient concerns empathetically to create a positive and supportive environment.
• Contribute to a positive work environment by offering constructive feedback, providing assistance to peers, and fostering open communication and teamwork.

Employee Health Requirements

• Exposure/Sensory Requirements: Exposure To Chemicals: Disinfectants, refer to MSDS; Video Display Terminals: Average; Blood and Body Fluids: Potential for exposure with each surgical procedure. Universal precautions followed on all procedures greatly reducing the risk to the personnel; TB or Airborne Pathogens: Extreme potential for exposure with each surgical procedure. Universal precautions followed on all procedures greatly reducing the risk to the personnel; Sensory Requirements (speech, Vision, Smell, Hearing, Touch): Speech: Required to communicate with patients/families/staff/physicians; Vision: Required to read monitors, medication labels, doctor order sheets; Smell: Helpful for electrical/fire safety; Hearing: Necessary for phone/intercom/doorbell, alarms, fire alarms; Touch: Necessary for writing, patient care.

Activity/Lifting Requirements

• Sit: 10%
  
  • Twist: 4%
    
    • Stand: 40%
      
      • Kneel: 0%
        
        • Walk: 25%
          
          • Lift: 10%
            
            • Drive: 0%
              
              • Squat: 1%
                
                • Climb: 1%
                  
                  • Bend: 30%
                    
                    • Reach above shoulders: 3%