Registered Nurse PreOp PACU

Townsen Memorial Surgery Center is looking for a Full-time Pre-Op PACU Registered Nurse to join our team!

**Current, active, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license issued by the State of Texas required.**

SUMMARY: The Registered Nurse PreOp / PACU is responsible for admitting the patient to the clinical area and providing nursing care to the pre-operative and post-operative patient, as well as, developing a nursing care plan specifically designed for the individual patient. The staffing of the Center is based on a teamwork concept. Employees may be cross trained in other clinical areas and may be expected to perform duties other than their normal ones as staffing and patient needs change.

**ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:**

* Ensures the pre-operative, post-operative, observation/inpatient area has a clean and therapeutic environment for all patients at all times. Give instructions to patients as instructed by physician or physician assistant
* Ensures supplies and equipment needed are available and in good working order
* Admits the patient to the unit and prepares him/her for the scheduled procedure
* Makes initial assessment and determines the nursing needs of the patient, communicates additional discharge needs when applicable (transportation, durable medical equipment)
* Explains nursing procedures and actions taken to help reduce anxiety
* Identifies patient’s physical and mental status
* Monitors the patient’s medical condition and reports any significant changes to the admitting physician or anesthesiologist
* Assures surgical consent, pre-operative test results and History and Physical are in the medical record prior to proposed procedure
* Pre-op and post-op calls to patients
* Reports any important health history facts to the operating room nurse/medical director
* Gives patients and family members emotional support as necessary
* Documents patient care delivered, accurately in the medical record
* Implements doctor’s orders in a timely and accurate manner
* Educates patients and family
* Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with patients, families, visitors, and other Center employees
* Documents concisely, precisely, and accurately on all records or documents as indicated by policy
* Understands and maintains clinical competencies (general, age specific and drug administration)
* Demonstrates clinical problem solving and critical thinking
* Makes decisions using evidence based analytical approach
* Plans for routine events and anticipates/prevents and manages/evaluates emergent situations
* Completes patient care responsibilities in a timely manner with accurate documentation
* Uses downtime efficiently, aware of team members workload and constantly helps and responds positively to requests for assistance from other team members
* Adapts to unexpected changes
* Effectively acclimate to various work schedules to achieve high quality of care
* Protects patient and family privacy rights and maintains confidentiality of patient records in accordance to policy and procedure and HIPAA requirements
* Follows all safety rules on the job. Reports all accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace
* Maintains established Center/Departmental policies and procedures
* Adheres to the company standards of business conduct
* Performs other related duties as assigned to support the hospital

**KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:**

* Knowledge of computer and relevant software applications
* Strong attention to detail: being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
* Has self-control to maintain composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in difficult situations.
* Ability to adequately diagnose, plan and implement nursing interventions and evaluate patient condition.
* Compliance with facility policies and procedures.
* Compliance with continuing and mandatory education programs.
* Practices nursing within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act of Texas and accepts responsibility and accountability for own actions
* Possesses appropriate communication skills to practice collaborative nursing.
* Ability to respond quickly, physically and mentally when priorities and /or the patient’s condition changes.
* High stress tolerance: accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
* Ability to adapt with flexibility: being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the
* workplace.
* Ability to work independently by guiding oneself with little or no supervision and depending one oneself to get things done.
* Ability to maintain effective and organized systems to ensure timely patient flow.
* Ability to maintain records.
* Ability to lift 50 lbs., carry 35 lbs., push and pull 25lbs, lift overhead 25 lbs. Able to perform repetitive standing, sitting, stooping, walking, stretching, and reaching.
* Ability to clean, maintain, and make minor adjustments to equipment.
* Excellent, polished patient interaction skills. Ability to communicate professionally with patients.
* Exceptional customer service and phone etiquette
* Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word & Vision (EMR)
* Energetic with a desire to learn and develop new skills.

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:**

* College degree required; minimum of an Associate’s Degree with a Bachelor’s Degree preferred
* Minimum 2 years recent experience in a peri-operative environment
* Registered Nurse in the State of Texas; License must remain active and unencumbered while employed
* Current BLS, ACLS and PALS
* Must complete additional educational requirements as assigned by due dates

**BENEFITS:**

* 3 Medical Plans
* 2 Dental Plans
* 2 Vision Plans
* Employee Assistance Program
* Short and Long Term Disability Plans
* Basic Life and Voluntary Insurance Plans with AD&D
* 401(k) with a 2-year vesting
* PTO + Holidays

Please visit our website for more information:
www.townsenmemorial.com

**Townsen Memorial Hospital** is an accredited network of facilities with an emphasis on emergency care, outpatient surgery, and diagnostics and imaging. Our core mission is to provide compassionate, evidence-based patient care to those we serve. At Townsen Memorial, we encompass diversity, dignity, and inclusiveness as a reflection of our core values. Townsen Memorial is committed to driving cutting edge healthcare to our patients, our communities and each other.

***Compensation to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.***

***Employment for this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.***