Staff Nurse - Short Stay Unit

Position Purpose

Responsible for admission and discharge of outpatients from the OPS area. Assesses and documents same for all assigned patients (24 hour, A.M. admits, I&O); provides nursing interventions and secures medical intervention as needed resulting in the delivery of quality care services.

Role Specific Competencies

1. Delivers quality nursing care to surgical patients in the pre- and post-operative phase of surgical intervention that is consistent with published standards for nursing practice.

• Assesses patient and documents same on appropriate form, prior to patient transfer preoperatively, and/or discharge from outpatient surgical suite.
• Reviews patient chart for completeness and reports abnormal results to Charge Nurse, surgeon and anesthesiologist that result in
• medical intervention without significant delay to patient's planned procedure.
• All information recorded on patient's data base and chart is accurate, complete and signature is affixed prior to patient transfer to
• designated area/discharge from OPS.
• Assessments and interventions are accurately and legibly recorded, timed, dated and signature affixed.
• Nursing interventions meet standards and result in no injury or harm to patients.
• Orients new personnel assigned to policies and procedures unique to outpatient surgery environs resulting in no errors on the part of the orientee during his/her probationary period.

2. Demonstrates skills and knowledge necessary to provide quality care services for special age specific populations, such as, but not limited to, pediatrics and geriatrics patients.

3. Knowledge and skill levels are maintained to ensure clinical competency

• Clinical competency checklist maintained and completed prior to annual evaluation.
• Attends 80% of in-service programs offered within the department.
• Assumes responsibility for maintaining a safe work environment that promotes patient care activities.
• Complies with and enforces relevant hospital/ departmental policies and procedures.

4. Organizes nursing activities efficiently and safely which expedite patient care in a cost effective manner, within the OPS environs.

• Organizes nursing activities in OPS environs that expedite timely delivery of patient care in OPS/OR, and reduced cost(s) to patients/hospital daily.
• Seeks additional assignment when tasks completed that assist in unit function.
• Able to problem solve independently, seeking assistance appropriately.
• Utilizes equipment and supplies as intended resulting in cost containment.
• Delegates tasks appropriately to skill level of individual (LPN, OPS Attendant, Unit Clerk) that results in no harm or injury to patient.

Qualifications and Experience

• Current C PR/BLS is required.
• Hospital certification in CPR (BLS) defibrillation; IV insertion certifications and Blood Glucose Monitoring (Accucheck).
• Minimum two (2) years nursing experience in medical/surgical nursing. PAC U or O.R. experience preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Concentrates on moderate to fine detail for extended periods of time with irregular telephone and other interruptions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for clear presentation of information.
• Must be able to function in an environment where background noises are a usual occurrence.
• Routinely lifts objects over 50 pounds using good body mechanics.
• Understands and can operate from the conceptual basis of tasks and activities Remembers schedules, tasks to be completed, where activities left off, etc.
• Verbal communication must be clear, concise and well defined.
• Written communication must be legible, accurate and full legal signature affixed to appropriate documents.