Pre-Op/Post-OP RN

Salary Range: $54.07 - $69.23

Pay rates are determined based on experience and internal equity.

Position Summary

• This position reports to the Director of Surgical Services.
• Conducts the pre-operative preparation and post-operative discharge process for patients of all ages scheduled for all surgeries and procedures.
• Plans, coordinates, and implements patient care for primarily Surgical, GI lab, and all other procedure patients.
• Demonstrates quality and effectiveness in work habits and clinical practice.
• Demonstrates flexibility to changing systems.
• Supports other nursing areas within the Surgery Department by floating when needed after appropriate orientation.
• Treats patients, families, visitors, peers and physicians with consideration and respect.
• Works well under stress and with tight deadlines.
• Communicates concerns appropriately using the established chain of command.

District Responsibility

• Supports the District mission, vision, and values statements.
• Demonstrate respect, professionalism and courtesy to all patients, visitors, other providers and coworkers, as delineated in the LVMC “Commitment to Care”.
• Consistently uses C-I-CARE principles when communicating with others.
• Maintains all principles of confidentiality according to District policy and as required by State and Federal regulation.
• Follows guidelines and practices identified in the Employee Handbook.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement activities within the Surgery Department and within the overall Nursing Department.
• Completes hospital-wide skills competencies annually.
• Complies with annual PPD testing.
• Maintains responsibility for own professional development.

Position Duties/Responsibilities

• Demonstrates proficiency in the care of patients in the in Pre-Op, GI LAB, and OPS area after appropriate orientation to each area. Familiarity with the surgical and PACU area formal setting, under guidance.
• Conducts a complete nursing assessment and database, including skin assessment, auscultation of lung fields, heart sounds, past surgical and medical history and fall risk precautions.
• Conducts pre-operative, including post-operative pain and nausea, signs and symptoms of infection, dressing care, medications, nutrition and use of post-operative assistive devices and appliances.
• Screens for discharge planning needs and initiating referrals, as necessary.
• Evaluates pre-admission studies and ensures that all required pre-admission testing is complete.
• Evaluates pre-admission/post-operative medications, review of medication reconciliations and ensures that all required prescriptions and reconciliations are complete.
• Notifies the attending surgeon and anesthesia of abnormal pre-operative testing and initiates appropriate plan of action.
• Consults with the anesthesiologist with complete information as needed.
• Interprets data about the patient’s status to identify age-specific needs and provides the care needed appropriate to the patient’s age.
• Maintains the ability to perform competencies within each area, as assigned and completes renewal annually.
• Demonstrates proficiency in the care of patients in the pre-operative and post-operative discharge (OPS) department.
• Demonstrates principles of growth and development over the life span and the skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient being treated.
• Demonstrates the ability to function as part of the team within the unit and department.
• Provides patient discharge evaluation, instructions and education; including readiness to be discharged, understanding of instructions and educations.
• Discharges patients to home accompanied by a responsible adult.
• Other duties as assigned by Director.

Essential Functions

• The ability to perform all aspects of RN’s job duties in Surgical Services Department, which includes standing or walking for prolonged periods of time, bending, gripping, grasping, stooping, kneeling, pushing and pulling.
• The ability to keyboard and use Word Processing programs.
• Maintains nursing license following the Scope of Practice for Registered Nursing and any certifications required for Surgical Services Department.
• Demonstrates the ability to have positive personal interactions with staff, patients, visitors and physicians.
• Accepts appropriate supervision.

Position Qualifications

• Education: Current California license as an RN.
• Experience: Previous experience with the care of patients in all areas with demonstrated leadership abilities.
• Experience: Past work experience appropriate to current position may be evaluated. Surgery process and knowledge of surgical procedures preferred; Circulator in Surgery or PACU experience preferred.
• Certifications: ACLS, BLS, PALS required from the American Heart Association.
• Skills/Ability: Advanced knowledge of patients of all ages. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Exhibits the ability to organize work assignments as follow through with accuracy, and thoroughness, exercises good judgment demonstrates initiative emotional stability, tact and poise.
• LVMC reserves the right to modify the minimum requirements depending on the needs of the organization.