Overview

The Registered Professional Nurse is responsible and accountable for utilizing the nursing process in the provision of safe, compassionate, and quality care of patients who will undergo ambulatory surgical procedures to include patient teaching, physical and psychological preparation Assists in the efficient operation of the unit. Acts as a liaison between the patient and health-care team.

Responsibilities

• Performs assessment/data and specimen collection in an ongoing systematic manner, focusing on physiologic, cognitive and cultural diversity of the patient.
• Ensures patient identification by checking patient identifiers. Verifies procedure, consent, NPO status, and any allergies.
• Performs point of care testing as directed per physician’s orders
• Communicates data collected such as laboratory results, EKG, chest x-ray, echocardiogram, and medical clearance, if applicable, and identified problems to the health-care team or anesthesiologist and instructs patients on prescribed interventions.
• Collaborates as appropriate with surgeon and other members of the health-care team in planning interventions to meet patient and family needs.
• Educates and instructs the ambulatory surgical patient, utilizing knowledge of surgical procedures and effects of anesthetic agents and completes electronic documentation.
• Assists patients to help understand the surgical process. Acts as a resource to answer any questions.
• Creates and maintains patients’ charts (chart preparation and filing).
• Ensures all needed documents/test results are present on patients’ charts prior to scheduled procedure and takes appropriate action to prevent delays to the Operating Room.
• Places telephone calls to preoperative patients the afternoon prior to surgery to provide arrival time at IMC Admitting Department and reinforce preoperative instructions.
• Performs other duties as required.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing.

Licenses, Certifications:

• Current NY State RN License
• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS).

Experience:

• Minimum three (3) years' experience in an Operating Room, PACU, or Critical Care setting.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong clinical assessment skills.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize.
• Attention to detail; organized.
• Team oriented attitude.
• Proficient in basic computer skills.
• Ability to adapt to ever changing environment.
• Exceptional customer service techniques.

Physical Requirements:

• Involves standing, walking, sitting, talking, hearing and bending.
• May include some repetitive motions.