Registered Nurse - Women's and Children's PACU (Full-Time, Days)

Responsibilities

• Involves the patient and/or family in the utilization of processes which respects patients rights.
• Prepares for the care, safety, comfort and privacy of the patient in accordance with their individual needs.
• Completes an age specific physical, biological and psychological assessment of the patient for infant, toddler, preschooler, school age, adolescent, adult, and older adult in the holding area.
• Identifies critical elements for each age group using the following tools: chart review, patient observation, patient/family interview, communication with other team members (health care providers), reaffirmation of patient identification, verification of surgical procedure, patient/familys understanding of procedure.
• Analyzes and reports abnormal assessment to anesthesia/surgeon.
• Reassesses the patient upon transfer to OR and accommodates patients changing needs.
• Uses nursing process to formulate plan of care based on assessment and individual needs of the patient.
• Aids anesthesia with induction and throughout procedure.
• Utilizes positioning aids to facilitate procedure, protecting pressure points and maintaining normal anatomical alignment.
• Transports patient to OR and PACU in a safe and timely manner.
• Provides specific attention to supplies and equipment based on the cultural needs and age of the patient, infant, toddler, preschooler, school age, adolescent, adult, and older adult.
• Utilizes a collaborative interdisciplinary process to provide appropriate patient/family education.
• Accurately identifies and records specimens according to policy.
• Gives complete and accurate report to Recovery.
• Assists Recovery as needed with direct nursing care.
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of all equipment; maintains equipment in safe and proper working condition through correct use.
• Shares the responsibility of general departmental duties with all OR team members, including but not limited to the following: prepares for the next days cases, participates in general cleaning, puts away instruments and supplies as received, shares responsibility of maintaining appropriate inventory levels, schedules surgery cases.
• Participates in evaluations of new products, methods or equipment to determine quality.
• Serves as a resource for physicians and other departments.
• Maintains an accurate sponge, needle and instrument count with the scrub nurse-0 deficiency rate.
• Assists the scrub nurse in gathering all necessary equipment, instruments, and supplies for the procedure.
• Prepares room and sets up case, adhering to the principles of aseptic technique and Infection Control policies.
• Conducts and communicates skills, observes and enforces department/hospital policy concerning no smoking, telephone usage, dress code and other rules governing conduct while at work.
• Accepts responsibility for action and omissions. Is responsive to identified need for change. Willing to adjust personal schedule to meet hospital staffing needs when requested (including weekends and holidays).
• Provides proper notification and advance notice for absence or tardiness and takes corrective action to prevent recurrences.
• Supports and encourages a harmonious working relationship within the department, other disciplines, and departments.
• Promotes an environment for an interdisciplinary team approach to achieve the mission/goals of the hospital.
• Motivates staff in a positive manner.
• Self-motivated; performs job duties utilizing effective time management.
• Sets aside time to obtain and use information to improve patient outcomes and individual and hospital performance.
• Maintains interdepartmental communication through utilization of available resources.
• Fulfills appropriate channels of communication to effectively express ideas, issues, concerns, suggestions, and questions.
• Demonstrates cost conscious attitude toward staffing, supplies, and departmental function.
• Obtains and uses information to improve patient outcomes and individual and hospital performance.
• Maintains a safe, functional, and effective environment for patients, staff members, and other individuals in the hospital.
• Responds to Emergency Preparedness Plan according to hospital policy (i.e. Code Blue, Code Red, Code White, etc.).
• Knowledgeable of location and use of emergency response equipment (i.e. fire extinguishers, fire alarms, crash carts, etc.).
• Maintains a safe and orderly work area.
• Cleans equipment as needed.
• Maintains equipment in safe and proper working condition through correct use and appropriate notification of malfunction.
• Completes occurrence reports in a timely manner.
• Applies appropriate ergonomic principles to reduce the potential for job related injuries.
• Can implement all policies and procedures to identify and reduce the risks of acquiring and transmitting infections among patients, employees, and others.
• Maintains a current Employee Health screening status as per hospital policy

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with a minimum of one year nursing experience in Critical Care.
• Graduate from an accredited Nursing Program.
• Current Louisiana State license as RN; BLS certification; ACLS Certification within first 6 months of hire.
• Good communication skills both verbal and written; computer skills helpful.
• Ability to maintain emotional stability in emergency situations and possess potential ability for leadership.
• Willingness to float to Day Surgery, Surgery, and rotate call.