Registered Nurse - PRN - Days - Preop

DHR Health is seeking a Registered Nurse for a PRN (as-needed) position in the Preoperative Department on the day shift in Edinburg, Texas. In this role, you will provide direct nursing care to surgical patients during the preoperative phase, serving as the patient's advocate while collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other surgical team members to ensure safe, effective patient care and positive outcomes.

Clinical Setting

You will work in the preoperative area of the operating room, caring for patients of varying ages and cultural backgrounds as they prepare for surgery. You will be responsible for addressing patient needs during admission to the operating room and ensuring that approved operating room procedures are followed to meet the requirements of scheduled procedures.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, direct, and evaluate direct and indirect nursing care for surgical patients during the preoperative phase
• Serve as the patient's advocate and address patient needs by assisting physicians and anesthesia personnel
• Observe patients for changes in condition and promptly report any unusual occurrences to charge personnel
• Ensure all medications are administered and charted according to established policies and procedures
• Identify and record patient responses to medication when necessary and promptly report medication errors
• Provide orderly progression of the surgical schedule by sending for patients at appropriate times and notifying charge personnel of any changes
• Ensure safe care of patients during their preoperative stay and demonstrate knowledge of all equipment used in the operating room
• Occasionally assume charge nurse duties as assigned by the supervisor
• Prepare incident reports as needed
• Attend departmental meetings
• Support and promote the organization's infection control, safety, and risk management programs
• Maintain professional competence through continuing education and other learning experiences

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Current registered nurse license in good standing in the State of Texas
• Current BLS certification
• Ability to read, write, and speak English
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with all levels of nursing, administration, and physicians
• Sensitivity to cultural and bilingual issues
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide age-appropriate care
• Successful completion of position-specific competencies

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• One to two years of progressive nursing experience

Licenses and Certifications

• ACLS certification required within three months of hire
• NRP certification required within six months of hire for Women's Hospital employees

Additional Requirements

• Knowledge of hospital policies and procedures for administering, transcribing, and recording medications
• Knowledge of commonly used medications, including action, dose, and side effects
• Adherence to the five rights of medication administration: right patient, right drug, right dose, right method, and right time
• Proper procedure in all methods of medication administration
• Ability to administer blood and blood products following hospital policy and procedures
• Adherence to all hospital and unit policies, procedures, protocols, and guidelines
• Demonstration of maturity and accountability for job performance
• Problem-solving skills through knowledge, research, and practice
• Ability to adapt to varied age-specific patient populations