The PreOp-PACU Registered Nurse coordinates patient care from admission to discharge, including preparing patients for surgery and managing post-operative recovery. They are responsible for monitoring patient status, administering medications, and providing education to patients and their support persons.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be graduates of an accredited nursing school and hold a current state nursing license. The role requires or expects the completion of BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications, with preference given to those with prior medical/surgical or PACU experience.
professional certificateBasic Life SupportAdvanced Cardiovascular Life SupportPediatric Advanced Life SupportCritical thinkingPatient educationInfection controlVital signs monitoringMedication administrationPatient advocacyPatient assessmentMultidisciplinary collaborationPain managementClinical documentationPerioperative careAnesthesia recovery
Job description
Registered Nurse PreOp-PACU
The PreOp-PACU Registered Nurse is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and coordinating patient care from admission to discharge.
The PreOp-PACU Registered Nurse is responsible for the achievement of patient outcomes through implementation of critical pathways and in accordance with the mission, vision, and values of the facility.
The PreOp-PACU RN prepares the patient for surgery and cares for the patient post-operatively with on-going nursing assessment including vital signs, point of care testing, reviewing medical history, and frequently re-assessing the patient to ensure optimal outcomes.
The PreOp-PACU RN is responsible for pain management, medication administration and discharge instructions.
The PreOp-PACU RN is part of the peri-operative clinical nursing team.
Primary Responsibilities
Prepare patient for surgery.
Assess patient status throughout the perioperative episode of care.
Develop and implement an individualized perioperative patient plan of care by:
Managing patient recovery from anesthesia – Moderate sedation and Monitored anesthesia care.
Assessing patient status at intervals in accordance with facility policies and procedures.
Providing nursing care and appropriate monitoring in accordance with policies and procedures.
Performing interventions to maintain the patient’s tissue perfusion at or above baseline levels.
Performing interventions to maintain the status of the patient’s genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems and fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances at or above baseline levels.
Performing interventions to ensure the patient is at or returned to normothermia at the conclusion of the immediate postoperative period.
Performing interventions to protect the patient from infection.
Assessing the knowledge level of the patient or designated support person.
Providing education regarding the expected psychosocial response, nutritional management, medication management, pain management, and expected responses to the procedure.
Involving the patient or designated support person actively in decisions affecting his or her perioperative plan of care and the rehabilitation process
Protecting the patient’s rights, dignity, and privacy.
Providing age-specific, culturally competent, ethical care within legal standards of practice.
Evaluate the patient’s progress toward attaining outcomes.
Transfer care as applicable.
Provide hand-off report to other teammates that are accurate, concise and pertinent to the patient’s condition and response to care.
Delegate tasks according to the state Nurse Practice Act (if applicable), state board of nursing or professional registration requirements, state laws, and job descriptions.
Document episode of care accurately, timely, completely, and legibly.
Demonstrate effective communication and collaboration skills with members of the team and other stakeholders.
Serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team in planning patient care.
Participate in quality review and performance improvement projects.
Use problem-solving and conflict resolution skills to foster effective work relationships.
Maintain required competencies.
Pursue professional growth
Act as a patient advocate and maintain privacy and confidentiality of individuals and health information
Comply with all KU MedWest Ambulatory Surgery Center, LLC facility policies and procedures, regulatory and accreditation standards and professional guidelines when providing patient care.
Actively participate in team meetings, trainings, and daily safety huddles.
Demonstrate fiscal responsibility.
Perform all other duties as assigned.
Education, Experience, and Licensure
Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
One year of PreOp, PACU, or medical/surgical nursing experience preferred.
Current state nursing licensure to practice in good standings.
Successful completion of Basic Life Support (BLS) or Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) within 90 of employment or documentation of current BLS/BCLS certification
Successful completion of Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Course within 6 months of employment or documentation of current ACLS certification.
Successful completion of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Course within 6 months of employment or documentation of current ACLS certification.
Specialty certification in GI Nursing is preferred.
Working Requirements/Physical Requirements: Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions
Pushing and pulling heavy objects
Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients and equipment
Manual and finger dexterity
Hand eye coordination
Standing and walking for extensive periods of time
Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 lbs
Corrected vision and hearing to within normal range
