JOB SUMMARY- The RN in the Recovery Room provides expert professional nursing care for the patient during the post-operative course. The RN assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates the care of the patient throughout the perianesthesia experience. The RN in the perianesthesia setting will supervise Licensed Practical Nurses and Nursing Assistants. Functions within the limits of the Nurse Practice Act, the facility and its policies and procedures and performs in a comparable manner to peers with similar training, experience and circumstances. The nurse will assure that the patient is prepared for discharge to a home environment by providing the necessary education to the patient and their responsible caregiver.
WORKING RELATIONSHIPS- As a representative of the center, all comments, attitudes, actions and behaviors have a direct affect on the facilities image and perceptions of quality service. Interaction with patients, families, physicians, referral sources, affiliating schools, visitors, co-workers, supervisors, vendors, etc. must be in a manner that is friendly, supportive, courteous, respectful, cooperative and professional. This behavior should promote an atmosphere of teamwork, which is congruent with facility standards and guidelines to promote positive relations.
QUALIFICATIONS- Current RN licensure in the state of California.
- BLS certification required within first month of hire.
- ACLS required within 1 month of hire.
- Two years of recovery room, critical care or emergency room experience is preferred.
- Preferred accomplishments include experience in outpatient surgery.
- Able to communicate effectively, and have an ability to work compatibly with all physicians and staff.
- Possess strong organizational skills and a clear understanding of the importance of efficiency and cost effectiveness in an outpatient surgery center.
- Maintain excellent physical and mental health in order to meet the demands of the position.
- Knowledge and clinical skills to perform the job duties of a recovery room nurse.
- Knowledge of anesthetic agents and complications, and ability to handle emergencies is required.
- Must have an aptitude for understanding, use of, and troubleshooting machines and equipment.
- Ability to communicate effectively, and have an ability to work compatibly with all physicians and staff.
- Possess strong organizational skills and a clear understanding of the importance of efficiency and cost effectiveness in an outpatient surgery center.
- Possess the knowledge and clinical skills to perform the job duties of a Recovery Room nurse.
- Ability to make quick assessments of patients and be able to handle emergency situations appropriately.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES1. Work with all members of the health care team to provide optimal care to
the patient, throughout their surgical/procedural experience.
2. Maintain confidentiality of all facility and patient information as required
by facility policy.
3. Maintain a friendly, positive and caring attitude with all patients,
physicians and staff.
4. Maintain excellent physical and mental health.
s. Assist in patient education during all phases of their experience at the
Center.
6. Assure that the proper supplies, instruments and equipment are
available for post operative care.
7. Assure that equipment is functioning properly.
8. Monitor use of supplies used in post op and assist with inventory control
by proper count of supplies/time used.
9. Document appropriately the care that is given to the patient.
10. Continue education to meet state requirements (6 hrs) and keep current
with health care.
11. Attend and participate in all applicable surgery center training and
development workshops scheduled by the facility.
12. Display professionalism at work and in the community, as a
representative of the Center.
13. Take an active role on committees within the department and throughout
the Center.
14. Identify actual and potential risk to patients and others. Take action to
minimize or eliminate risk and maximize safety.
15 Perform supervisory nurse responsibilities as staffing demands and as
requested.
SPECIFIC JOB DUTIES1. Receives patient into the recovery room after surgery. Assesses and
evaluates the patient. Monitors the patient continuously during their
recovery phase. Documents the status of the patients and administers
care accordingly.
2. Incorporates a sense of wellness by allowing the patient's family to be
reunited with them as soon as feasible and encouraging self-care by the
patient.
3. Provides discharge instructions to the patient and their caregiver, asking
for confirmation of understanding throughout the giving of instructions.
4. The RN in Recovery Room will provide follow-up assessment for the
patient by calling the patients the day after surgery.
5. Prepares for emergency situations by knowing correct procedures and location of emergency call system.
6. Monitors that Universal Precautions are maintained.
7. Completes all necessary documentation on Recovery Room Nurse's
record.
9. Maintains supply of drugs notifying the Clinical Manager of low supply
numbers.
10. Wipes down gurneys and recliners between patients with a germicidal
solution. Remakes beds as needed.
11. Performs other duties as requested and participates as a team member.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS- Work is indoors in climate controlled environment. Patient care environment with potential exposure to unpleasant odors, to blood and body fluids which may carry infection, to infectious disease, and to chemical and electrical hazards. Occasional exposure to outdoor climate.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS- Good visual acuity, accurate color vision. Ability to lift/transfer patients in excess of 200 pounds, which may require pushing, pulling and essentially utilizing a full range of body movement. Ability to push a gurney with a 200 pound patient on it. Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl. Ability to reach, grasp, use fine finger movement and feel fine sensation to discern temperature, texture, size and shape. Ability to speak and hear. Ability to wear lead apron.
DEGREE OF SUPERVISON PROVIDED TO POSITION- Minimal. Must be self-directed and able to work independently.
INFECTION CONTROL CATEGORY- This job is designated as a Category I job using OSHA definitions. This means there are tasks that involve exposure to blood or other potentially infectious material. Use ofappropriate protective measures is required for any employee engaged in Category I tasks.
