Pre-Op Nurse

Apply online. Submit resume here.

Definition and Purpose:  The pre-operative nurse is responsible for the definition of a complete nursing plan for the care of the patient on the day of the procedure. Significant problems which might adversely affect the implementation of the plan should be reported to the Clinical Coordinator responsible for the relevant phase of care (Pre-Op, OR, RR).

Qualifications:

1. Must be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
2. Must have a current license to practice in Massachusetts.
3. Two years’ experience as a staff nurse
4. Be flexible with the hours:  Work to accommodate patient and physician’s needs (e.g., afternoon block time, rescheduling of patients due to surgery schedule, same-day add-ons).
5. Possess an exceptional capacity for compassion and patience in dealing with a very difficult, demanding patient population.
6. Skilled in Phlebotomy.
7. Current BCLS certification (ACLS & PALS preferred).

General Performance:  In addition to understanding and supporting the mission of the Same Day SurgiCare, all profession RNs on staff shall:

1.         Recognize the psychological, physiological and surgical needs of each patient and respond with appropriate plan of nursing care

2.         Participate fully in patient/family teaching and respect patient’s rights

3.         Maintain a safe working environment

4.         Be flexible and adaptable to the demands of an ever-changing and sometimes unpredictable

            perioperative workplace

5.         Relate in a supportive and positive manner to other members of the staff nursing, and to the

            office and medical staff

6.         Use proper communication channels and refer problems to the Director of Nurses when

            appropriate

7.         Complete assignments accurately and adapt easily to changes in workload and schedule

8          Participate fully in the Quality Assurance Program and assist in the development and revision

            of policies and procedures to improve the delivery of care in the facility

9.         Be efficient and economical in the utilization of supplies and equipment;

10.       Dispense and manage medications accordance with facility policies;

11.       Assist in the orientation of new employees. 

(A)  At the time of the pre-operative visit:

1.  An appropriate psychosocial assessment is made of each patient which would include:

            – knowledge level concerning the anticipated procedure

            – level of understanding concerning the anticipated procedure

– special concerns the patient may have with respect to the procedure and recovery including pain   

  and nausea and vomiting;

            -availability of an escort on the day of surgery

            -any privacy concerns the patient may have

            -plan for care at home after discharge.

2.  An appropriate physiological assessment is made of each patient which would include:

            – vital signs, including pulse oximetry

            – mobility of body parts and potential problems related to positioning in the OR

            – presence of sensory aids and prosthetic devices

            – history of drug allergies or sensitivities

3.  The nurse will complete the pre-operative testing which is ordered

4.  The nurse will complete a nursing plan in preparation for the day of the procedure,

      review the pre-op instructions with the patient and family, and answer all the patient’s

      questions.

(B)  The day before the procedure:

1.  The nurse will telephone the patient, review the pre-op instructions, and confirm the time to arrive at the facility and answer all the patient’s questions.

C)  The day of the procedure:

1.  Admission of the patient which will include:

            – identification of the individual and the placement of a wrist band ID

            – checking the vital signs and reporting significant deviations to the anesthesiologist

                (GA and MAC) or surgeon (local anesthesia)

            – verifying the completeness of the medical record

            – verification of the surgical site and the operative consent

            – evaluation of the patient’s physiological and psychological state

2.  Administration of any pre-operative medication ordered

3.  Start an intravenous according to the facility policy 

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements of Job:

1. Physically demanding job, requiring standing, and walking for extended periods of time.
2. Lifting and carrying items weighting up to 50lbs.
3. Exposure to blood, body fluids, communicable disease, chemicals and repetitive motion.
4. Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients.
5. Working irregular hours.