Perioperative Support RN (.8-.9)

Functions and Responsibilities:

The Perioperative Support RN works in conjunction with the Doctor/Surgeon to perform the duties required for pre-operative and PACU post-operative care of our orthopedic patients. Support is also provided in the areas of total joint nurse navigator and perioperative assessment (PAT). This RN provides efficient patient services and adheres to all policies and procedures of the facility. Travel as assigned to satellite locations, with primary working location at Johnson Creek Surgery Center. 

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

This position requires exceptional attention to detail and follow-through skills. Must be able to: multitask, keep information confidential, provide high-quality service, act as a team player, build trust, and treat others with respect. Must have exceptional communication, organizational, memory, and timely decision-making skills. Must show empathy and patience and remain composed under pressure or during high-volume times, as appropriate.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

General RN Responsibilities

• Demonstrates current comprehensive knowledge and skills related to nursing standards.
• Demonstrates courtesy and helpfulness toward patients, families, coworkers, and others.
• Use layperson’s language to improve patient understanding.
• Handles complaints responsively and professionally.
• Maintains awareness of current policies and procedures affecting job responsibilities.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and proprietary information.
• Maintains required professional licensure and certifications.
• Ensures professional appearance and conduct with patients and coworkers.
• Observes all safety precautions and complies with health and safety rules.
• Participate in quality assurance monitoring and improvement initiatives.
• Responds to requests from other departments positively and collaboratively.
• Suggests methods to increase quality, efficiency, and prevent errors.
• Demonstrates receptiveness to feedback and the opinions of others.
• Finds additional ways to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

Pre-Op Responsibilities

• Assess the patient: Review medical history, allergies, medications, and take vital signs.
• Verify everything: Confirm patient identity, procedure, and ensure consents are signed.
• Give pre-op meds: Administer medications as ordered and follow fasting (NPO) guidelines.
• Educate and reassure: Explain the procedure, answer questions, and ease patient anxiety.
• Communicate with the team: Report concerns and ensure everything’s ready for surgery.
• Responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing the preadmission process.
• Ensure all pre-admission steps and requirements are completed promptly, including documentation for add-on cases.
• Ensures smooth, timely, and efficient telephone communication, including contacting patients 1–2 weeks before procedure.
• Handles communications from physician offices to accurately inform patients of requirements before the date of surgery.
• Interacts with departments and the physician's office staff regarding pre-operative scheduling processes.
• Demonstrates understanding of patient needs according to diagnosis, including determining single, multiple, or complex scheduling needs.
• Provides appropriate preparatory education and instructions to patients and families.
• Demonstrates good time management skills and prioritizes patient calls.
• Listens to patient concerns and gathers accurate information while remaining focused on the pre-admission process.

PACU Responsibilities

• Performs a variety of duties in the PACU environment during the evaluation, treatment planning, management, and discharge of patients in the Ambulatory Surgical setting.
• Monitoring Vital Signs: Nurses closely monitor heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and respiration.
• Pain Management: Patients receive medications and comfort care for pain or nausea.
• Airway Management: Staff ensure that the patient's airway remains open and breathing is stable.
• Recovery from Anesthesia: Patients are observed until they regain consciousness and are stable enough for discharge
• Assesses patient status and identifies everyone’s needs relative to his or her situation
• Completes patient charting accurately, concisely, and promptly.
• Ensure patient records are complete and free from deficiencies or errors.
• Demonstrates active listening and clear communication with patients and families.
• Answers patient questions, addresses concerns, and reassures anxious patients.
• Identifies patients with special needs and assists in resolving or accommodating them.
• Responds to requests from other areas in a timely, positive, and professional manner.
• Follows through on tasks, job procedures, and patient care responsibilities.

Total Joint Navigator Responsibilities

• Work within developed processes which accurately and adequately schedule and track patient progress throughout the total joint replacement experience.
• Monitor OR schedule 1 month to 2 weeks out from the current date to ensure all total joint patients are contacted and have filled out HOOS and KOOS data, as well as being scheduled for the joint replacement class.
• Develop a high level of comfort with teaching the Road to Recovery class and develop back-up personnel to teach the class if needed.
• Assume responsibility for communication with the primary nurse navigator regarding issues that arise.
• Maintain open, professional, and positive communication.
• Use multi-disciplinary communication to maintain and improve patient care.
• Utilize proper chain of command, maintain emotional control and diplomacy.
• Maintain patient, employee, and company confidentiality.
• Assist with patient inquiries and ensure prompt accurate replies.
• Effectively communicate with the multidisciplinary team (including Anesthesia, PAT and Surgeon AAs)

Peri-anesthesia Testing RN Responsibilities

• Provides appropriate preparatory information to patients and families.
• Ensure all pre-admission steps and requirements are completed in a timely manner, i.e., documentation is complete for add-on cases.

Qualifications Required:

• Graduate of an accredited Nursing Program.
• Current State Licensure/Certification.
• Minimum two years’ experience in Pre-op/PACU required.
• ACLS required or obtained within one year of hire.
• ASC experience is a plus but not required.
• Orthopedic experience preferred.
• Must have excellent communication, interpersonal, and IV skills.
• Teamwork and flexibility are necessary to meet the needs of our patients and team members.
• Ability to multitask and be a self-starter in a fast-paced environment
• Possess skills necessary to admit pre-operative day surgical patients, manage immediate PACU patients, and provide discharge teaching.
• A working knowledge and proficiency with Office and Excel are required.

Working Conditions:

• Normal perioperative environment with exposure to chemical odors, cleaning solvents, and other hazardous materials. Must follow established procedures to ensure safety.
• Exposure to possible injury when working with electrical equipment, which require care and following proper safety procedures.
• Physical demands (depending on work needs):
• sitting 20% of the day
• standing/walking 80% of the day
• trunk movements (rotation, repetition, bending)
• lifting patients (large, heavy repetition 46 lbs. and above)
• carrying (small, lightweight objects on smooth terrain)
• pushing/pulling (frequently occupied beds and carts)
• low-level work (squatting, kneeling)
• dexterity of hands and fingers, fine finger movements
• hearing (able to auscultate heart/lungs/bowel sounds/blood pressure, etc.)