Preop/PACU Nurse

Job Title: Pre Op/ PACU Nurse Department: Surgical Services Reports To: Director of Surgical Services FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Date 12/1/2022 Position Summary Collaborates with interdisciplinary team in the delivery of patient care, utilizing the nursing process; provides professional nursing care to patients, including conducting nursing assessments, assisting with exams and treatment, patient education, and maintenance of medical records. Essential Duties & Responsibilities Delivers safe and appropriate care to patients, according to the nursing skills inventory and the age and needs of the patient/population served. Coordinates the planning for the delivery of nursing care with an interdisciplinary team and administers appropriate clinical decisions in the delivery of patient care. Collaborates with, directs and may delegate to the healthcare team in the attainment of positive outcomes based on data, research, evidence, and professional standards of care. Responsible for checking and maintaining crash cart and malignant hyperthermia cart at the beginning of shift. Ensure that all supplies are stocked and organized. Ensures Pre-op Checklist is complete (H&P present, informed consent signed, test results present, surgical site identified, etc.) before patient is taken into surgical suite. Responsible for identifying patient's name, DOB, allergies, and medical history. Responsible for ensuring all allergy band and ID bracelet is on correctly. Responsible for ensuring all operative informed consents are signed by patient and physician. Ensure that all surgical orders are correct and placed in charts (no abbreviations). Initiate intravenous line and fluids according to surgical orders, or anesthesia orders. Answer patient questions within the scope of practice and ensure they are kept comfortable. Monitor patient for condition changes and report to physician. Ensure all preoperative labs, diagnostic testing are complete and placed in chart for physician review. Coordinate with med-surg unit on all inpatients that are due to be received for surgery. Coordinate with surgical scheduling on all outpatient procedures and prior to date of surgery responsible for pre-assessment calls to patient. Coordinate with Circulating RN on counting narcotics each morning prior to surgery. Adhere to policies regarding types of anesthesia received by patient: ie General (1 hour), MAC (15 Min), TIVA (30 min), Local (1 set of stable vitals) Ensure monitoring equipment is functioning. Coordinates with anesthesiologist for post-op medication management and pain management. Ensures all discharge orders are correct, in order, and signed by physician. Ensure safe transport to discharge location: whether it is to nursing unit or to vehicle with family for outpatient procedures. Keep PACU bays adequately stocked with anticipated supplies needed. Responsible for checking suction equipment and ensure function ability. Maintain recovery record charting and charges. Be able to recognize emergency situations, coordinate with anesthesia and physician, and handle in a calm proficient manner. Will be required to take on-call and work after the regular schedule as needed. Perform other duties as assigned Safety/Infection ControlDemonstrate knowledge of and adhere to regulations and policies and procedures pertaining to safety, emergency preparedness, infection control, OSHA, fire safety and hazardous materials Performance ImprovementParticipate in performance improvement activities as necessary Customer ServiceMaintain confidentiality of patient related issues and adhering to all HIPAA rules and regulations. Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills Treat all patients, visitors, and staff members fairly and with respect Utilize effective communication methods and skills Explain all procedures, treatments, and care while remaining aware of language barriers Able to perform care in non-judgmental manner and recognize discrepancies between patient and personal beliefs Company PolicyEnsure personal appearance is business casual and professional at all times Responsible for wearing identification badge at all times which must be visible and above the waistline Attend all required meetings and in-service education Remain flexible in staffing patterns and resolution of staffing conflicts; participates in temporary assignments Compliance with attendance standards Demonstrate flexibility when changes in assignments are necessary QualificationsEDUCATION & EXPERIENCE Graduate of an accredited school of nursing. Current Registered Nurse licensure in the State of Texas. Minimum of one (1) year work experience in the operating room. Maintains professional growth and development though seminars, workshops, and professional affiliation to keep abreast of the latest trends in the field of expertise Completes annual educational requirements LANGUAGE/MATH/REASONING ABILITY Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations COMPUTER SKILLS Basic computer skills CERTIFICATE/LICENSES BLS ACLS will need to be obtained within 30 days of DOH CompetenciesProfessional Maturity: The ability to separate emotional feelings from the real issues at hand Responsibility: The ability to accept choices you have made and the results they have led to Communication: The ability to write and speak effectively; actively listens to others, and give feedback Flexibility: Demonstrate responsiveness and adaptability following change initiatives Intelligence: Understand information and apply new knowledge Energetic: Exhibits high levels of energy and enthusiasm Organized: Efficient in structuring tasks to be accomplished Computer Savvy: The ability to use technology efficiently and effectively Customer Service: The ability to enhance customer satisfaction Job Knowledge/Technical Knowledge: Knowledgeable of current role and technical systems, and the impact it has on the organization Integrity and Respect: Demonstrates upmost level of integrity Interpersonal Communication: Writes and speaks effectively based on the psychological, relational, situation, environmental and cultural dynamics within the situation Collaboration and Partnership: Encourages participation from team members Manages Change: Demonstrates flexibility with changing environments Problem Solving: Resolve issues in a timely manner Attention to Detail: Follows procedures to ensure entry of data Organization: Uses time efficiently by prioritizing and planning work activities Judgment: Ability to make independent decisions Teamwork: Works with others to accomplish objectives and shows support for decisions Quality: Sets high standards to ensure quality in work performed Accountability: Takes responsibility for adhering to all company policies, procures, and performance expectations Physical DemandsThe physical demands for this position include: adequate vision, hearing, and repetitive motion Light physical activity performing non-strenuous daily activities of an administrative nature Ascending or descending stairs, ramps and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms Substantial movements (motion) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers in a repetitive manner Bending legs downward and forward by bending leg and spine Work EnvironmentWell-lighted, heated and/or air-conditioned indoor office setting with adequate ventilation Employee Signature Printed Name Employee Signature Date

Created: 2026-03-10