PAT/ PreOp/ PACU, RN PRN

FRIO REGIONAL HOSPITAL; Pearsall (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

FRIO REGIONAL HOSPITAL seeks a dedicated Pre-Operative Nurse to conduct thorough patient assessments, coordinate scheduling with surgeons, and educate patients about procedures. You will maintain meticulous records and support anesthesia and surgical teams to ensure patient safety.

The ideal candidate holds a TX RN license (compact acceptable) with OR experience, strong communication, and proficiency in EMR systems. On-site position with focus on efficient pre-op workflow and patient readiness.

Qualifications

• Valid RN license to practice in Texas or compact state.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-operative assessments and obtain medical histories, meds, and allergies.
• Coordinate with physicians and other departments for scheduling and prep.
• Educate patients about procedures and expected timeline.
• Maintain accurate patient records and documentation.
• Assist with IV starts and pre-operative medications as ordered.
• Communicate with surgical team to ensure patient readiness and safety.
• Ensure pre-operative paperwork is complete and organized.
• Assist with patient admission and diagnostic testing as needed.
• Prepare the surgical area and ensure equipment availability.
• Manage post-operative instructions and discharge planning.

Skills

Communication

Organization

EMR proficiency

Medical terminology

Fast-paced work

Self sufficiency

Time management

Education

RN license in TX or compact

BSN preferred

Tools

Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

Job description

• Conducts pre-surgical assessments and interviews patients to gather medical history, medications, and allergies.
• Orders and oversees pre-operative tests (e.g., lab work, EKGs, x-rays).
• Educates patients about their upcoming procedures and answers questions.
• Maintains accurate patient records and documentation.

Scheduling

• Schedule surgical procedures, considering factors like desired date, surgery priority, and length.
• Ensure efficient use of surgery suites and staff.
• Schedule pre- and post-operative appointments, diagnostic tests, and referrals as needed.
• Coordinate with physicians’ offices and other related departments.
• Patient Communication and Coordination:
• Communicate with patients and their families regarding scheduling, pre-operative instructions, and post-operative care.
• Provide accurate information about facility location, date, and time of surgery.
• Answer patient inquiries and address any concerns.
• Administrative Tasks:
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Prepare and collate surgical paperwork.
• Monitor cancellations and reschedule appointments.
• May be responsible for ordering equipment and supplies.
• May be required to verify room and equipment availability.
• Accurate and concise record of surgical logs
• Surgical patient call backs

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Computer proficiency, especially with electronic medical records.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Self sufficient
• Time management

Pre Operative Nurse

Patient Assessment and Preparation

• Conducts thorough physical and psychological assessments to identify potential risks and ensure the patient is ready for surgery.
• Reviews medical history, medications, and allergies.
• Explains the surgical procedure, what to expect before, during, and after, and addresses patient questions and concerns.
• Prepares patients for surgery by ensuring they are dressed in surgical attire, have removed jewelry, piercings, or contact lenses, and have followed any pre-operative instructions (e.g., fasting).
• Assists with starting IVs and administering pre-operative medications as ordered.

Patient Education and Support

• Provides clear and concise information to patients and their families about the surgical process.
• Offers emotional support and reassurance to help alleviate anxiety and fear.
• Ensures patients understand their rights and have the opportunity to ask questions.

Documentation and Communication

• Maintains accurate and detailed records of patient assessments, interventions, and any concerns.
• Communicates effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare team members to ensure a smooth and safe patient experience.
• Ensures all pre-operative paperwork is complete and organized for the surgical team.

Coordination and Organization

• Coordinates with other healthcare professionals to ensure all necessary pre-operative preparations are in place.
• Assists with patient admission, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
• May be involved in arranging necessary diagnostic tests, such as blood work, imaging studies, or EKGs.

Other Duties

• May assist with preparing the surgical area and ensuring that all necessary equipment and supplies are available.
• May be responsible for making pre-op phone calls to patients to review health history and provide instructions.
• May assist with post-operative care and stabilization.

Patient Care and Monitoring

• Initial Assessment:Upon receiving a patient from the operating room, PACU nurses conduct a thorough assessment, including vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, oxygen saturation, temperature), level of consciousness, and pain levels.
• Ongoing Monitoring:They continuously monitor the patient’s condition, looking for signs of complications related to anesthesia or surgery, and intervene as needed.
• Pain and Nausea Management:PACU nurses administer pain medication and anti-nausea medications as prescribed, ensuring patient comfort and managing post-operative symptoms.
• Fluid and Electrolyte Management:They monitor fluid intake and output, and manage electrolyte imbalances as needed.
• Wound Care:PACU nurses ensure surgical dressings are clean, dry, and intact, and they assess for signs of infection.
• Emotional Support:They provide emotional support and reassurance to patients and their families, answering questions and addressing concerns.

Communication and Collaboration

• Handoff Communication:PACU nurses receive a handoff report from the anesthesia provider and surgeon, ensuring continuity of care.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration:They collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care.
• Documentation:PACU nurses meticulously document patient assessments, interventions, and responses to treatment in the medical record.
• Patient Education:They educate patients and their families about post-operative care, medications, and discharge instructions.

Other Responsibilities

• Equipment Management:PACU nurses ensure that the PACU is well-stocked with necessary equipment and supplies.
• Safety:They maintain a safe and clean environment in the PACU, implementing infection control measures.
• Emergency Response:PACU nurses are prepared to respond to emergency situations, such as airway obstruction or cardiac arrest.
• Patient Discharge:They ensure that patients meet the criteria for discharge from the PACU and coordinate with other healthcare professionals for transfer to other units.

Qualifications

• RN License in Texas or compact
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (preferred)
• Active BLS, ACLS, PALS & NRP
• Minimum 1 year of experience in an operating room setting

Job Location

On-Site

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This job description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.