Job Description

Duties and Functions

• Administers nursing care according to the established policies and procedures of the general nursing department and the Indiana Ambulatory Surgical Associates, Inc.
• Demonstrates adequate understanding of operative procedures and expected postoperative course.
• Displays complete knowledge and understanding of peri-operative nursing care in the freestanding ambulatory surgery setting.
• Monitors preop call process to ensure all informed consents, H&P’s, and preop testing is complete. Admits patients to preop area, assesses patient and prepares patient for surgery.
• Receives patient from surgery and evaluates needs of patient, administering care accordingly. Compares stability of vital signs with preop to establish parameters.
• Assesses and documents patient status. Carries out treatments and/or orders. Gives postoperative instructions. Makes postoperative telephone call.
• Demonstrates awareness of symptoms and possible complications of surgery and anesthesia. Initiates appropriate treatment in response to complications.
• Knowledge should be up-to-date on the actions of all pharmaceuticals and anesthetic agents.
• Administers nursing care following established policies for the technical aspects of care, i.e. medication administration, dressing change, care of IV sites.
• Utilizes the nursing process in patient assessment including the physical, psycho social, neurological and educational needs of the patients.
• Accepts full responsibility for all nursing care needed by assigned patients including treatments, IV starts, monitoring vital signs and patient teaching.
• Implements physician’s orders accurately with the knowledge and understanding of each order.
• Takes appropriate actions following established policies and procedures in emergency situations such as cardiac/respiratory crises or arrests, drug reactions, fire or disaster occurrences.
• Demonstrates knowledge and utilization of Universal Precautions in the care of the patient during the pre-and post-operative period and during surgical procedure. (i.e. proper hand washing technique, wearing of gloves and proper disposal of needles and infectious waste)

Knowledge and Ability - Graduation from a state approved school of professional nursing. Continuing education in skills of working area. Current licensure to practice professional nursing in Pennsylvania. Certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ACLS/PALS) within time specified after employment and annually to remain employed in this position. Knowledge of nursing care practices, policies, procedures and techniques. Understands how nursing care interfaces with other areas of the Indiana Ambulatory Surgical Associates.

Experience - Preferred minimum of two years ACU, Recovery Room or ICU nursing experience. Broad knowledge of nursing theory and practice of the surgical patient. Good interpersonal skills and problem solving skills. Working knowledge of equipment, EMR, fax machines and intercom systems.