Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse (RN) – Pre-Post Care Unit (PPCU)

Position Summary

The Registered Nurse (RN) in the Pre-Post Care Unit (PPCU) provides safe, compassionate, and evidence-based nursing care to patients before and after surgical and procedural interventions. The RN is responsible for comprehensive patient assessment, preparation for procedures, post-anesthesia recovery, pain and symptom management, patient education, and discharge planning. The RN works collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, procedural staff, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care. Registered Nurses are required to participate in scheduled weekday, weekend, and/or holiday call assignments as determined by departmental staffing needs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Pre-Procedure Care

• Complete a comprehensive nursing assessment upon patient arrival to the PPCU.
• Verify patient identification, procedure, consent, allergies, medical history, medications, and relevant laboratory/diagnostic results.
• Obtain and document vital signs and focused assessments.
• Establish and maintain IV access as appropriate.
• Administer medications and treatments as ordered, including pre-procedure medications.
• Review NPO status and identify medications or clinical conditions requiring provider notification.
• Prepare patients for surgical or procedural interventions according to established policies and protocols.
• Ensure required laboratory results, diagnostic studies, consultations, and documentation are complete prior to the procedure.
• Identify changes in patient condition and promptly communicate concerns to the appropriate provider.
• Provide emotional support and education to patients and families regarding the planned procedure and expectations.

Post-Procedure Care

• Receive patients from the operating room, procedure area, PACU, or inpatient units and complete an appropriate post-procedure assessment.
• Monitor airway, respiratory status, cardiovascular status, level of consciousness, pain, nausea/vomiting, and surgical sites.
• Recognize and respond promptly to changes in patient condition and potential complications.
• Administer medications, IV fluids, and other treatments as ordered.
• Monitor and manage pain and postoperative nausea according to established protocols.
• Monitor surgical sites, dressings, drains, and other devices as applicable.
• Maintain appropriate monitoring and reassessment until discharge criteria are met.
• Communicate significant assessment findings and changes in condition to anesthesia providers, surgeons, or other appropriate healthcare providers.

Patient Discharge and Education

• Assess patients for readiness for discharge based on established criteria and provider orders.
• Provide patients and caregivers with verbal and written discharge instructions.
• Educate patients regarding medications, wound care, activity restrictions, diet, follow-up appointments, and signs and symptoms requiring medical attention.
• Confirm that the patient has an appropriate responsible adult/caregiver and transportation when required.
• Ensure discharge documentation is complete and accurate.
• Promote patient understanding through effective communication and teach-back methods.

Patient Safety and Quality

• Maintain a safe patient care environment and follow hospital, departmental, and regulatory standards.
• Follow infection prevention and control practices.
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic medical record documentation.
• Participate in medication safety, surgical safety, fall prevention, and other quality initiatives.
• Recognize and appropriately escalate patient safety concerns.
• Participate in emergency response and resuscitation activities as required.
• Maintain competency in equipment, procedures, medications, and emergency protocols utilized within the PPCU.

Communication and Collaboration

• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, physicians, advanced practice providers, surgical staff, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Provide accurate and timely handoff communication during patient transitions.
• Coordinate care to promote efficient patient flow and minimize delays in surgical and procedural schedules.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with patients, families, physicians, coworkers, and other departments.
• Serve as an advocate for patient needs, safety, privacy, and informed decision-making.

Qualifications

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Current BLS certification required.
• ACLS certification required or obtained within the designated timeframe, based on departmental requirements.
• Previous perioperative, preoperative, postoperative, PACU, critical care, or procedural nursing experience preferred.
• Strong assessment, communication, organization, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple patients in a fast-paced environment.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, move, and reposition patients using appropriate techniques and equipment.
• Ability to respond rapidly to changes in patient condition and emergency situations.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions and changing priorities.
• Ability to safely operate and utilize clinical equipment and electronic medical record systems.

Core Competencies

• Patient-centered care
• Clinical judgment and critical thinking
• Patient safety
• Effective communication
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Time management and organization
• Medication safety
• Emergency response
• Patient and family education
• Professional accountability
• Adaptability and flexibility

Performance Expectations

The PPCU RN is expected to demonstrate professional nursing practice, maintain clinical competency, promote patient safety, support efficient patient flow, and provide high-quality care throughout the preoperative and postoperative phases of the patient's surgical or procedural experience.

Safety Sensitive

Job Summary: Deliver care to patients utilizing the nursing process in accordance with established philosophy. Collaborate with other professional disciplines to ensure effective patient care delivery and achievement of desired patient outcomes. Effectively interact with patients, families, & visitors while maintaining the standard of professional nursing. Provides physical and psychological support to patients.

Qualifications/Requirements: Must be a graduate of a school of nursing with current LPN or RN license by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.  Current BLS Certification. Current TB test. Must pass WRMC Medication/Dosage Calculations Exam and IV Therapy Exam. Maintains annual unit specific competencies and education fair. Adheres to White River Health System's Standard of Behaviors.