Job Objective :

The Perianesthesia nurse prepares patients for the surgical and/or procedural experience, as well as monitors and supports safe transition from an anesthetized state to responsiveness and on into discharge/transfer. The RN shall function under the guidelines of American Society of Perianesthesia Nursing (ASPAN) standards as well the policies and procedures of the department and of the hospital.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Prepares and assess patients for procedures/surgery per department policies under the ASPAN guidelines.

2. Provides patient and family centered education

3. Contacts appropriate physician(s) with abnormal diagnostic test results and/or patient issues.

4. Completes and reviews all relevant documentation pertinent to this phase.

1. Follows ASPAN guidelines to provide quality recovery from procedures/surgeries.

2. Provides patient and family education

3. Promotes family centered care environment

4. Completes and reviews all relevant documentation pertinent to this phase

5. Assesses patient’s physiological and psychological readiness for discharge or transfer using discharge criteria as stated in department policy.

6. Provides detailed discharge instructions per hospital protocols

Non-Essential Duties:

• Assist in performance improvement initiatives
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge:

· ASPAN standards

· Core Measures

· Knowledge of patient’s rights and advance directives.

· EKG and diagnostic testing interpretation.

· Pain and comfort management of the perianesthesia patient.

Skills:

· Strong critical thinking skills

· Basic computer skills

· Good customer service skills.

Abilities:

· Able to function independently

· Able to communicate well.

AVH Values: All AVH employees will effectively demonstrate these values:

• Patients Come First – We listen actively and communicate with our patients and families, placing safety as a top priority.
• Accountability & Ownership – We fully complete tasks, are transparent, effectively communicate, and recognize that what we do reflects on us.
• Teamwork – We build trusting relationships, promote a sense of community, and are respectful of everyone. Success is about the whole team.
• Integrity & Honesty – We tell the truth at all times, speak up when something is wrong, and do the right thing when no one is looking.
• Excellence – We take pride in our work, are goal-oriented, and on a never-ending quest for top tier quality.
• Initiative & Innovation – Our can-do attitudes, creativity, and resourcefulness empower us to improve the patient’s experience, solve our own problems, make timely decisions, and look for opportunities to add value.
• Tenderness & Compassion – We have genuine empathy, show kindness, and encourage and advocate for each other.
  

Education and Experience:

Education:

· Graduate of accredited school of nursing.

· BSN preferred.

· Demonstrates knowledge and competency on hospital information technologies used in the designated patient care area.

· National certifications are desirable.

Experience:

· For Pre-Op Phase: Minimum 2 years’ experience in Med/Surg or Telemetry

· For Post-Op Phase: Minimum 1 years’ experience in Critical Care or PACU. 2-years’ experience in Critical Care or PACU, preferred.

· Minimum of two years of experience in an acute care setting and successful completion of a perianesthesia course within six months of hire.

Required Licensure and/or Certifications:

· BCLS, ACLS and PALS certification required at time of hire

AVH Conduct/Compliance Expectations :

· Ability to adhere with AVH Absenteeism and Tardiness Policy

· Ability to adhere with AVH Leaves of Absence Policy

· Ability to adhere with AVH Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy

· Ability to adhere with AVH Recording of Hours Worked Policy

· Ability to adhere to the department dress code

· Ability to organize work and establish priorities

· Ability to expand on own initiative in performance of duties

· Skill and ability to follow the telephone etiquette/standards

· Conforms to AVH Standards of Excellence

· Ability to function effectively under pressure and meet time parameters

· Ability to communicate effectively while maintaining good working relationships with co-workers, managers and other hospital staff

· Ability to adhere to the normal standards of courtesy and conduct as defined under the rules of hospitality at AVH

· Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient, hospital and department information

· Ability to adhere to safety rules and regulations

· Safely and effectively uses all equipment necessary to carry out duties

· Ability to interpret and function under hospital and department policies and procedures

· Conforms with required and appropriate Joint Commission requirements

· Conforms with and supports hospital quality assurance and improvement guidelines

· Ability to participate effectively in department and hospital staff education

· Display a willingness to work as a team player

· Ability to give and support the highest level of patient/customer satisfaction at all times

· Supports and adheres to the values and mission statement established by the AVH Board of Directors

· Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Compliance & Integrity Program and its established policies.

· Ability to follow the Code of Conduct

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

· Required to take call shifts per department policy

· Mandatory weekend and holiday rotation

A detailed description of the physical requirements of this job is maintained in the Employee Health Department.

NOTE: THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE INTENDED TO DESCRIBE THE GENERAL NATURE AND LEVEL OF WORK PERFORMED BY PEOPLE ASSIGNED TO THIS JOB. THIS DOCUMENT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AN EXHAUSTIVE LIST OF ALL RESPONSIBILITIES, SKILLS, AND WORKING CONDITIONS FOR THE PERSONNEL SO CLASSIFIED.

Education and Experience:

Education:

· Graduate of accredited school of nursing.

· BSN preferred.

· Demonstrates knowledge and competency on hospital information technologies used in the designated patient care area.

· National certifications are desirable.

Experience:

· For Pre-Op Phase: Minimum 2 years’ experience in Med/Surg or Telemetry

· For Post-Op Phase: Minimum 1 years’ experience in Critical Care or PACU. 2-years’ experience in Critical Care or PACU, preferred.

· Minimum of two years of experience in an acute care setting and successful completion of a perianesthesia course within six months of hire.