The nurse manages pre-operative assessments and post-operative recovery for orthopedic patients in an ambulatory surgical setting. Key duties include monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and coordinating patient discharge and education.
Requirements summary
Requires a graduate of an accredited Nursing Program with current state licensure and at least two years of experience in ER, ICU, or PACU. ACLS/PALS certifications are required, and orthopedic or ASC experience is preferred.
professional certificateTeamworkMultitaskingCommunicationTime ManagementPatient AssessmentPatient EducationPatient ChartingClinical DocumentationDecision MakingPain ManagementVital Signs MonitoringPre-operative CarePost-operative CareAirway ManagementIV SkillsOrthopedic Care
Job description
Description The Pre Op/ PACU Nurse works in conjunction with the Doctor/Surgeon to perform the duties required for pre-operative and PACU post-operative care of our orthopedic patients. Under minimum supervision, the Pre Op/PACU Nurse provides efficient patient services and adheres to all policies and procedures of the facility. Travel as assigned to satellite locations, and basic computer knowledge.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
This position requires exceptional attention to detail and follow-through skills.
Must be able to: multitask, keep information confidential, provide high-quality service, act as a team player, build trust, and treat others with respect. Must have exceptional communication, organizational, memory, and timely decision-making skills. Must show empathy and patience and remain composed under pressure or during high-volume times, as appropriate.
Key Areas of Responsibility
General RN Responsibilities Demonstrates current comprehensive knowledge and skills related to nursing standards. Demonstrates courtesy and helpfulness toward patients, families, coworkers, and others. Use layperson’s language to improve patient understanding. Handles complaints responsively and professionally. Maintains awareness of current policies and procedures affecting job responsibilities. Maintains confidentiality of patient and proprietary information. Maintains required professional licensure and certifications. Ensures professional appearance and conduct with patients and coworkers. Observes all safety precautions and complies with health and safety rules. Participate in quality assurance monitoring and improvement initiatives. Responds to requests from other departments positively and collaboratively. Suggests methods to increase quality, efficiency, and prevent errors. Demonstrates receptiveness to feedback and the opinions of others. Finds additional ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.
Pre-Op
Responsibilities
Assess the patient: Review medical history, allergies, medications, and take vital signs.
Verify everything: Confirm patient identity, procedure, and ensure consents are signed.
Give pre-op meds: Administer medications as ordered and follow fasting (NPO) guidelines.
Educate and reassure: Explain the procedure, answer questions, and ease patient anxiety.
Communicate with the team: Report concerns and ensure everything’s ready for surgery. Responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing the preadmission process. Ensure all pre-admission steps and requirements are completed promptly, including documentation for add-on cases. Ensures smooth, timely, and efficient telephone communication, including contacting patients 1–2 weeks before procedure. Handles communications from physician offices to accurately inform patients of requirements before the date of surgery. Interacts with departments and the physician's office staff regarding pre-operative scheduling processes. Demonstrates understanding of patient needs according to diagnosis, including determining single, multiple, or complex scheduling needs. Provides appropriate preparatory education and instructions to patients and families. Demonstrates good time management skills and prioritizes patient calls. Listens to patient concerns and gathers accurate information while remaining focused on the pre-admission process. PACU Responsibilities Performs a variety of duties in the PACU environment during the evaluation, treatment planning, management, and discharge of patients in the Ambulatory Surgical setting.
Management: Patients receive medications and comfort care for pain or nausea.
Airway
Management: Staff ensure that the patient's airway remains open and breathing is stable.
Recovery from
Anesthesia: Patients are observed until they regain consciousness and are stable enough for discharge Assesses patient status and identifies everyone’s needs relative to his or her situation Completes patient charting accurately, concisely, and promptly. Ensure patient records are complete and free from deficiencies or errors. Demonstrates active listening and clear communication with patients and families. Answers patient questions, addresses concerns, and reassures anxious patients. Identifies patients with special needs and assists in resolving or accommodating them. Responds to requests from other areas in a timely, positive, and professional manner. Follows through on tasks, job procedures, and patient care responsibilities.
Requirements
Graduate of an accredited Nursing Program. Current State Licensure/Certification. Minimum two years’ experience in ER, ICU, or PACU required. ACLS/PALS required or obtained within one year of hire. ASC experience is a plus but not required. Orthopedic experience preferred. Must have excellent communication, interpersonal, and IV skills. Teamwork and flexibility are necessary to meet the needs of our patients and team members. Ability to multitask and be a self-starter in a fast-paced environment Possess skills necessary to admit pre-operative day surgical patients, manage immediate PACU patients, and provide discharge teaching.
