Job Summary:
Provides direct nursing care to patients and supervises the LPNs and Nursing Assistants.
Duties and Responsibilities:
PhilosophySupports the center's ideology, mission, goals, and objectives.Performs in accordance with the center's policies and procedures.Follows the center's standards for ethical business conduct.Conducts self as a positive role model and team member.Recognizes patients' rights and responsibilities and supports them in performance of job duties.Participates in center committees, meetings, in-services, and activities.CommunicationCommunicates effectively and professionally with patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers.Interacts with others in a positive, respectful, and considerate manner.Financial practicesUses center resources appropriately and avoid wasteful practices.Reports wasteful practices.Analyzes work area and makes recommendations for potential cost-effective improvements.Compliance programContributes to the progress and development of the organization's adopted compliance program.Performs according to established compliance policies and proceduresPerformance-improvement programContributes to the progress and development of the organization's adopted performance-improvement program.Performs according to established performance-improvement policies and procedures.Safety/risk-management programAdheres to safety policies and procedures in performing job duties and responsibilities.Reports observed or suspected safety violations, hazards, and policy/procedure noncompliance to safety officer or other designated person.Professional competenceParticipates in continuing education and other learning experiences.Shares knowledge gained in continuing education with staff.Maintains membership in relevant professional organizationsSeeks new learning experiences by accepting challenging opportunities and responsibilities.Welcomes suggestions and recommendations.General DutiesEffectively organizes time, equipment, supplies, and personnel.Organizes nursing activities efficiently.Considers staff abilities when delegating activities.Uses equipment effectively by anticipating patient needs and providing appropriate care.Confirms that proper techniques and procedures are used according to accepted standards of practice.Assists with inventory of supplies, drugs, and equipment to maintain availability and stock levels in the admission area.Maintains order and cleanliness of admission area.Pre-operative Duties:Greets patient and provides comfort and reassurance to the patient and supports the patient's right to privacy, dignity, and confidentialityPerforms thorough admission assessment of patient.Develops a plan of care for the patient based on assessment data and implements admission care (e.g., evaluates chart, administers medication).Informs patient about routine care and procedures related to the perioperative experience.Confirm patient name, DOB, intended procedure, surgical siteEnsure responsible adult escort available prior to admissionEstablish safe physical environmentSecures signed surgical consent, witness as appropriateReview admission criteria per center policy/procedureObtain H&P. If not performed within 30 days of scheduled date, obtain new one from provider and incorporate into patient recordConfirm presence of documentation of allergies including adverse reactionsPerform initial medication reconciliation with patient inputAssists in the monitoring of physical symptoms and behavioral changesMonitor/document patient vital signs per policyPerform pre-admission testing per established criteriaEstablish IV accessDocuments admission care according to policy and procedure.Completes admission checklist when turning care of patient over to operating room personnel.Initiates nursing actions based on interpretation of physiological changesFollows established criteria for monitoring of patient, assessment of pain, per established criteriaPost-Operative DutiesAssess patients' condition after a surgery has been performedEnsure that all vitals are within normal rangeLog all findings in patients' filesAnswer patients' questions and ensure that they are kept comfortableMake sure that all relevant IVs are in checkAdministers medication according to policyProvide nourishment per policyDiscuss pain management. Both prescribed medications and alternative treatment optionsDevelop individualized care plans based on each individual patient's conditionEnsure that the all nursing activities are carried out in accordance to individual patient care planMonitor patients for condition changes and report any changes to the doctorInitiate patient education programs to ensure that both patients and families are educated on procedures and medicationsDetermine when patients are ready to dischargeEnsure responsible adult escort available prior to dischargeEvaluate patient ability to ambulate safelyAssist patient in dressing as neededReview discharge instructions with patient and available family member. Provide information both verbally and in written format.Provide supplies for at home care as deemed neededPerform medication reconciliation and provide copy to patient with discharge information. Document when next dose of medications due (pain, antibiotic, etc.)Perform intervention duties in cases of post-operative emergenciesRecord sedation levels and body temperatureEnsure that the post-operative space is clean and sanitizedChange bandages and dress surgical woundsEducation and Experience:
Required
Graduate of accredited school of nursingRN with active license in New York StateACLS Certification, PALS Certification within 6 monthsEvidence of leadership qualitiesStrong ethical and moral character referencesPhysical/Mental Requirements
Ability to sit/stand for a considerable amount of time; ability to walk.Visual and auditory acuity for frequent use of computer, telephone, and occasional use of other office equipment.Ability to perform occasional overhead and low reaching.Physical strength required for equipment needs and patient-care activities.Visual and auditory acuity for responsiveness and patient-care assessment activities.Ability to move quickly in response to center needs.Constant and frequent judgment and response.Occasional judgment and response to disasters or emergencies or drillsWorking Conditions (Environmental)
Well-lit and ventilated, with non-hazardous and hazardous equipment.Category I: involves occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious body fluids and materials.
