Pre-op/Post-op call Nurse LVN

PRE-OP NURSE JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary

**Please note that this is position that requires you to be on the phone calls 100% of the time. This is not a primary patient care position. 

The Pre-Op LVN is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing and coordinating patient care from admission to discharge in the pre-operative setting. The LVN is responsible for the achievement of patient outcomes through adherence to recognized nursing standards.

Working Relationships

This position is key within out organization and requires the following personal characteristics:

• Honesty

• Multitasking

• Organizational Skills

• Teamwork

• Attention to detail

• Cooperative attitude

• Excellent communication skills

Good computer/IT skills

• Positive attitude

• Creative problem-solving skills

• Ability to interface well with supervisors, other staff, administrator, doctors and especially patients.

Responsibilities

Job Responsibilities:

• Work with all members of the health care team to provide optimal care to the patient, throughout their surgical/ procedural experience

• Primary role will to contact patients ahead of time to go over health information, confirm appointment times along with other important information regarding their upcoming appointment

• This job’s primary role requires you to be in phone calls for most of your shift

• Maintain confidentiality of all facility and patient information as required by facility policy

• Maintain a friendly, positive and caring attitude with all patients, physicians and staff

• Assist in patient education during all phases of their experience at the center

• Assure that equipment functioning properly

• Monitor use of supplies used in post op and assist with inventory control by proper count of supplies/ time used

• Follow physician’s orders and document appropriately the care that is given to the patient

• Continue education to meet state requirements and keep current with healthcare

• Attend and participate in all applicable surgery center staff meetings, training and development workshops scheduled by the facility

• Display professionalism at work and in the community as a representative of the center

• Identify actual and potential risk to patients and others. Take action to minimize or eliminate risk and maximize safety

• Demonstrate understanding and ability to perform patient care activities by applying knowledge of nursing practice standards in assessing, planning, intervening and evaluating patient using appropriate methods and techniques

• Makes and completes substantial and reasonable goals as determined in performance reviews

• Follows directions and completes assignments from superiors

• Completes duties and clocks out in a timely manner

Specific Job Duties

• Prepare for the arrival of patients to the surgery center by making sure that proper supplies and equipment are available. Review patient medical record for health history and to assure that the necessary pre-operative evaluations have been completed. Ensure consent for surgery has been obtained and signed by patient and witness signature. Surgical site must be verified.

• Primary role will be to contact patients ahead of time to go over health information, confirm appointment times along with other important information regarding their upcoming appointment

• Admit and prepare patients for surgery at the center. Assist patients with removing clothing if necessary and put on gown, shoe covers and bonnet. Lock personal items and valuables in patient locker. Place electrodes on chest.

• Obtain patient pre-operative vital signs and notify MD of abnormal findings

• Record allergies and reaction in chart if applicable

• Collect data regarding patient’s NPO status and inform MD in the event of patient non-compliance

• Have patient was their face with antibacterial soap in restroom

• Begin pre-operative eye drops as ordered. (Do not begin administrating eye drops if blood pressure is greater than 190/90). Then have patient sit in the pre-op chair until ready to take in the operating room

• Providing ongoing information to the patient and their caregiver to assure that they understand and feel as comfortable as possible. Verify that patient has arranged for transportation home post-operatively

• May perform assessment of patient, start IV/ saline lock and administer necessary non-intravenous medications as ordered and when assigned to this task (May perform CLIA waived glucose test on diabetic patients

• Appropriately document care that is given to the patient

• Have knowledge of patient equipment to include, but not limited to vital signs monitors, glucose monitors, surgical beds, gurneys and emergency equipment

• Communicate with other health car team members to assure continuity of care in the center

• Assist in ordering supplies for the pre-op area

• Assist in restocking room supplies at the end of the shift of during shift if the need arises

• Perform other duties as requested and participate as a team member

Duties and responsibilities may be added, deleted or changed at anytime at the discretion of the management, formally or informally, either verbally or in writing.

Qualifications

• Current LVN license in the State of California

• BLS certification

• ACLS certification

• Preferred accomplishments include experience in outpatient surgery

• Possess strong organizational skills and a clear understanding of the importance of efficiency and cost effectiveness in an outpatient surgery center

• Knowledge and clinical skill to perform the job duties of a pre-operative nurse

• Ability to handle emergencies is required

• Must have an aptitude for understanding, use of and troubleshooting machines and equipment

• Ability to make quick assessments of patients and be able to handle emergency situations

Environmental Conditions

Work is indoors in a climate-controlled environment. Patient care environment with the potential exposure to unpleasant odors, to blood and bodily fluids which may carry infection, to infectious disease and to chemical and electrical hazards. Occasional exposure to outdoor climate.

Physical Requirements

Good visual activity, accurate color vision. Ability to assist with life/ transfer patients more than 200 pounds, which may require pushing, pulling, and essentially utilizing a full range of body movement. Ability to push a gurney/ recliner with a 200-pound patient on it. Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and/ or crawl. Ability to reach, grasp, use fine finger movement and feel fine sensation to discern temperature, texture, size, and shape. Ability to speak and hear well