The Registered Nurse (RN) who will be responsible for admitting the patient to the clinical area and providing nursing care to the pre-operative patient, as well as, developing a nursing care plan specifically designed for the individual patient. The staffing of the Clinic is based on a teamwork concept. Employees may be cross trained in other clinical areas and may be expected to perform duties other than their normal ones as staffing and patient needs change.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Ensures the pre-operative area has a clean and therapeutic environment for all patients at all times
• Gives instructions to patients as instructed by physician or physician assistant
• Ensures supplies and equipment needed are available and in good working order
• Admits the patient to the unit and prepares him/her for the scheduled procedure
• Makes initial assessment and determines the nursing needs of the patient, communicates additional discharge needs when applicable (transportation, durable medical equipment)
• Explains nursing procedures and actions taken to help reduce anxiety
• Identifies patient’s physical and mental status
• Monitors the patient’s medical condition and reports any significant changes to the admitting physician or anesthesiologist
• Assures surgical consent, pre-operative test results and History and Physical are in the medical record prior to proposed procedure
• Pre-op and post-op calls to patients
• Reports any important health history facts to the operating room nurse/medical director
• Gives patients and family members emotional support as necessary
• Documents patient care delivered, accurately in the medical record
• Implements doctor’s orders in a timely and accurate manner
• Educates patients and family
• Maintains established Center/Departmental policies and procedures
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and Center related business
• Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with patients, families, visitors, and other Center employees
• Documents concisely, precisely, and accurately on all records or documents as indicated by policy
• Understands and maintains clinical competencies (general, age specific and drug administration)
• Demonstrates clinical problem solving and critical thinking
• Makes decisions using evidence based analytical approach

• Plans for routine events and anticipates/prevents and manages/evaluates emergent situations
• Completes patient care responsibilities in a timely manner with accurate documentation
• Uses downtime efficiently, aware of team members workload and constantly offers assistance and responds positively to requests for assistance from other team members
• Adapts to unexpected changes
• Effectively acclimate to various work schedules to achieve high quality of care
• Performs any other job duties as assigned

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of computer and relevant software applications
• Strong attention to detail: being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks
• Has self-control to maintain composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in difficult situations
• Ability to adequately diagnose, plan and implement nursing interventions and evaluate patient condition
• Compliance with facility policies and procedures
• Compliance with continuing and mandatory education programs
• Practices nursing within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act of Texas and accepts responsibility and accountability for own actions
• Possesses appropriate communication skills to practice collaborative nursing
• Ability to respond quickly, physically and mentally when priorities and /or the patient’s condition changes
• High stress tolerance: accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations
• Ability to adapt with flexibility: being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace
• Ability to work independently by guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending one oneself to get things done
• Ability to maintain effective and organized systems to ensure timely patient flow
• Ability to maintain records
• Ability to clean, maintain, and make minor adjustments to equipment
• Excellent, polished patient interaction skills. Ability to communicate professionally with patients
• Exceptional customer service and phone etiquette
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word & E-Clinical
• Energetic with a desire to learn and develop new skills

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing
• Registered Nurse in the State of Texas; License must remain active and unencumbered while employed.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certified or must be obtained within thirty (30) days of hire.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certified or must be obtained within thirty (30) days of hire.
• One (1) year of previous medical setting experience