PreOp/PACU Registered Nurse, Ambulatory Surgery Center, UT Health Austin

Job Posting Title:

PreOp/PACU Registered Nurse, Ambulatory Surgery Center, UT Health Austin

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Hiring Department:

Dell Medical School

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Apr 01, 2025

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

Purpose:

This is a full-time position to serve as a key team member in the Ambulatory Surgery Center at UT Health Austin. This position is responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating the nursing care provided to the surgical patient during the pre-admission, pre-op and post-op period. Nursing care meets the standards of the profession, according to the policies and procedures of the Center and is appropriate to the needs of the patients and their families.

Responsibilities

• Must function in pre-admission, pre- and post-operative nursing capacities in the care of ambulatory surgery patients or be willing to cross train to achieve the full capacity of care

• Must have a flexible schedule and willingness to report to work with short notice

• Demonstrates necessary practical, technical, or specialized skills required for the role of the pre- and post-operative nurse in accordance with standards of practice

• Plans, implements, and evaluates pre and post-operative nursing care for patients based on individual, specific patient needs, and according to physician’s orders.

• Must have adequate understanding of operative procedures

• Maintains and demonstrates current skills and knowledge of intravenous therapy, medication administration and effects, patient assessment, airway maintenance, patient education, emotional/social support of patients and families, and other needed clinical competencies

• Reviews charts for completeness, in accordance with documentation protocols prior to and after the surgical procedure. Assures relevant information is in the chart prior to the start of procedure.

• Participates in hand-off communication to ensure continuity of care

• Participates in the anesthesia time-out process if performed in the pre-op area prior to administration of pre-operative blocks or prior to the induction of anesthesia.

• Responsible for medication management, including controlled substances

• Responsible for handling biohazardous materials and surgical specimens

• Responsible for maintaining inventory in care areas

• Responsible for maintaining required logs such as temperature, medical gas levels, etc., and QC of CLIA waived tests

• Works collaboratively with other nursing staff and Staff Development coordinator on projects that contribute to the organization’s mission and vision

• Advocates for adherence to evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and pathways

• Participates in the collection and analysis of patient outcome data to optimize patient and organizational outcomes

• Builds resources to supplement the implementation of strategic initiatives and ASC projects

• Practices as an Athena Super User and remains available for technological support for all ASC staff

• Keeps EMR up to date with documentation, discharge instructions, etc.

While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, it is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Management reserves the right to revise the Position or require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances warrant (i.e. emergencies, changes in personnel or staffing, workload, or technical developments).

Required Qualifications

• Active Texas RN license

• Minimum of three years pre- or post-op experience.

• BCLS & ACLS Certification upon employment.

• PALS certification within 6 months of hire.

• Flexibility in days and hours available to work.

• Knowledge of current surgical procedures and anesthesia care.

• Demonstrated leadership, organizing, and problem-solving skills.

• Effective problem-solving skills to include data analysis and judgment to make effective decisions.

• Ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced, diverse multi-physician practice environment.

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working