Registered Nurse

Safety Sensitive

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

Position Summary

The Registered Nurse (RN) in the Pre-Post Care Unit (PPCU) provides comprehensive nursing care to patients undergoing outpatient and inpatient surgical and procedural services. The RN is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating individualized patient care throughout the preoperative and postoperative phases. Responsibilities include preparing patients for surgery, monitoring patients recovering from anesthesia and procedures, administering medications, managing pain, and identifying and responding to changes in patient condition. The RN works collaboratively with physicians, anesthesia providers, surgical services, and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe, efficient, and compassionate patient care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive nursing assessments and obtain appropriate patient histories, vital signs, and medication reconciliation.
• Prepare patients for surgical and procedural interventions, ensuring all preoperative requirements are completed.
• Verify patient identification, surgical consent, procedure, allergies, NPO status, and required documentation.
• Initiate and maintain IV access and administer medications, fluids, and treatments as prescribed.
• Monitor patients during the preoperative and postoperative phases of care.
• Provide post-anesthesia care, including airway management, respiratory assessment, vital sign monitoring, and evaluation of level of consciousness.
• Assess and manage postoperative pain, nausea, and other potential complications.
• Recognize changes in patient condition and initiate appropriate interventions, including emergency response when necessary.
• Monitor surgical sites, dressings, drains, and other postoperative needs.
• Provide patient and family education regarding discharge instructions, medications, activity restrictions, and follow-up care.
• Collaborate with physicians, anesthesia providers, and interdisciplinary team members to coordinate patient care and promote positive outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Follow established policies, procedures, infection prevention standards, and patient safety guidelines.
• Assist with maintaining an organized, clean, and appropriately stocked patient care environment.
• Demonstrate flexibility in assignments and assist with maintaining efficient patient flow throughout the department.
• Participate in departmental quality improvement initiatives, staff education, and ongoing professional development.
• Participate in the departmental call rotation as assigned.

Qualifications

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Arkansas.
• Current BLS certification.
• ACLS/PALS certification required or obtained within the timeframe established by the facility.
• Previous perioperative, preoperative, postoperative, or critical care nursing experience preferred.
• Strong clinical assessment, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple patient care responsibilities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, move, and assist patients as needed.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations.
• Ability to perform physical requirements associated with direct patient care.

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.