POSITION SUMMARY + The Same Day Surgery/PACU nurse is responsible for the surgical, pre-operative and post-operative anesthesia care of all surgical patients. The SDS/PACU nurse will perform both direct and indirect nursing care throughout the surgical department consistent with AORN standards in accordance with the nursing process. The SDS/PACU nurse will perform both direct and indirect nursing care throughout the patient's surgical experience efficiently providing continuity, safety, and cost containment. The primarily focus of this position would involve recovery of all patients in phases 1 and 2. Other duties will include, but are not limited to, admissions and discharges of all patients and performing and/or assisting on procedures within the outpatient setting. Patient education and post-operative phone calls along with quality improvement initiatives may be assigned as well as other duties assigned by the supervisor. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS + Education and Experience: + Two to three years of direct patient care experience; treating alike patient populations and severity (critical care nursing) experience preferred. + License/Certificates: + Current Minnesota RN license. American Heart Association BLS certification required within 30 days of hire. American Heart Association ACLS required within 4 months of hire. PALS certification required within 4 months of hire for full time and part time nurses. If casual, PALS is strongly encouraged. + Special Skills and Aptitudes: + Ability to read, write and communicate effectively in English. + Demonstrates mature judgment, self-initiative, and strong problem-solving skills. + Ability to independently organize, systematize and prioritize multiple tasks. + Ability to interact effectively with physicians, patients and family, staff, and other healthcare providers. + General computer skills in EMR, Word, Outlook and/or similar applications. ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES + RN: + + Exercise concern for the patient's welfare, maintains knowledge of the patient's condition, administers medication, and performs treatment while practicing and maintaining high ethical standards. + Responsible for the direct and indirect care of residents/patients assigned to her/him under the guidance of the Director of Surgical Services. + Provide appropriate care for patients who will be undergoing or are recovering from orthopedic surgery. + Maintains accurate and complete records of nursing assessments and care, and counsels of the client and family in meeting nursing and related needs. + Remain up to date on new nursing skills and technology while utilizing the nursing process (observation, assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation) in the delivery of care. + Perform duties in accordance with physician's orders, the Medical Center's policies, methods, and techniques, and in coordinating with other departments and Medical Center personnel. + Provide leadership and promotes teamwork. + When requested, participates in in-service programs, education programs, and orientation of new personnel. + Demonstrate Standards of Excellence when other duties are assigned. + Same Day Surgery/PACU: + + Complete an accurate and comprehensive nursing assessment including vital signs, allergies and health history and clinical information. Communicate pertinent assessment findings to the surgeon and/or anesthesia provider and the other members of the surgical team in a timely fashion. + Provide direct and indirect pre-operative and post-operative anesthesia nursing care for patients in pre-operative; phase I and II recovery, promoting safe, high standards of clinical care. + Independently and accurately complete required patient monitoring and status assessments in safely transferring and discharging patients from varying levels of critical and non-critical nursing care. + Provide appropriate care for patients who will be undergoing or are recovering from orthopedic surgery. + Accurately monitor and responds appropriately to the clinical needs of our patients while effectively communicating pertinent changes in a patient's health status to the physician and/or anesthesia provider. + Promote efficiency and demonstrates good fiscal stewardship in billing and the use of supplies and expense resources. + Provide discharge and post-operative education uniquely tailored to each patients’ health needs and level of learning/understanding. + Complete timely, accurate and thorough nursing documentation including patient assessments, health status, screening and test findings, patient education, and associated plans of care. + Implement physician standing order sets including the ordering of appropriate tests and administration of medications as part of order and/or approved protocols and pathways. + Prepare the patient for surgery/procedure in accordance with policies including completion and/or reviewing of required documentation (documented allergies, medication reconciliation, informed consent, H&P initials).