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