Summary:
R.N. is responsible for the immediate post-op care of the surgical patient within the scope of practice as determined by the board of nursing in the state you are practicing within.
Recovery Room Nurse:
Prepares Recovery Room for patients.
Receives patient from O.R. and makes an assessment on each patient at admission and discharge and records this information on the Recovery Room Record
Verifies the patient's identity and surgical procedure.
Implements the plan of care by:Protecting the patient from injury by performing an individualized risk assessment;Communicating the patient's current status to the appropriate parties throughout the continuum of care
Close observation and monitoring of the post-op patient by taking vital signs, EKG monitoring, oximetry readings and documentation of such on recovery room records.
Identifies arrhythmias by constant monitoring and interpreting of EKG’s as indicated, and provides nursing intervention as per physician’s orders.
Administers medications, IV’s and Rx’s and maintains records regarding dispensing of same, observes patient reaction to same, and acts appropriately when untoward reactions occur.
Performs or assists physician in performance of non-sterile and sterile dressing changes and other procedures.
Responsible for assuring patient that he or she is not left alone in Recovery Area.
Providing education regarding the expected psychosocial response, medication management, pain management, wound management, and expected responses to the operative or invasive procedure; Actively involving the patient or designated support person in decisions affecting his or her post-operative plan of care;
After post-operative teaching, it is the nurse’s responsibility to assess the knowledge level of the patient or designated support person on understanding of teaching.
Discharge of the patient by wheelchair unless only local anesthesia was given and vision or balance is not affected in any way by surgical procedure or pre-operative medications.
Responsible for making sure patient has follow up appointment before being discharged. Assists circulating nurse with post-op telephone calls.
In the emergency situation, is able to give immediate respiratory assistance or support including use of AMBU bag and can administer CPR and venipuncture.
Checking, maintenance, and knowledge of STAT Kit or Crash Cart.
Recognizes and utilizes safety precautions and procedures.
Remains familiar with equipment and supplies; their location, function and up-keep. Re-stocks unit with supplies when needed.
Maintains a comfortable, orderly, clean and safe environment for the Recovery Area.
Helps circulating R.N. perform Narcotic Count. Signs correct verification of count in Narcotic Log.
Protecting the patient's rights, dignity, and privacy;
Other duties may include. (For example; including, but not limited to): Participates in quality improvement activities. Assists Infection Control Coordinator with infection control duties including reviewing infection control policies and training staff on procedures.
Minimum Qualifications:
2 years recent working experience as a RN in PACU, or ER, or ICU Setting (not including clinicals)
Current Unencumbered RN license in state of practice.
Current BLS & ACLS Card (PALS required for care of adolescents)
Current TB Screen
Valid Identification/Driver's License
Successful completion of a Background Check and Medely's screening process