Required Education and Experience: Must be a graduate of an accredited school of Practical Nursing. Must possess active Florida license as a Licensed Practical Nurse. CPR, ACLS AND IV Certification is required.

Summary/Objective: Responsible for planning, executing, directing and evaluating the nursing care given to the GI patient by assuming the preoperative/PACU role. The role is defined as the pre-operative and the post-operative period. May have contact with the patient in each phase of the GI procedure experience. The responsibility includes the preparation, assembly and organization of the environment, equipment and supplies to perform the activities necessary for the preparation and the recovery of the ambulatory GI patient.

Essential Functions

Participates in the preparation of the patient for GI procedures. Performs the pre-admission assessment either over the telephone or in person. Provides pre instructions if necessary. Ascertains that all appropriate data is in the patient’s record prior to admission or immediately following admission and prior to procedural intervention, including fall risk assessment. Communicates abnormal and/or extensive medical history to the supervising RN or Charge Nurse as discovered. Maintains communication with reception area and GI to assure efficient movement of patients. Admits the patient in the pre-op area and follows the admission protocols.

Receives patient from GI procedure rooms, assesses patient’s condition on admission and discharge, and documents on PACU record.

Observes and monitors the post-op procedure patient by taking vital signs and documenting on PACU record.

Communicates with Procedure Room RN, CRNA or Anesthesiologist during drop off to PACU.

Performs/ assists supervising RN or Charge Nurse with EGKs, x-rays, or transfers to hospital.

Assures patient that he/she is not, and will not be, left alone in recovery areas, assists with dressing patient.

Makes sure patient has discharge instructions to take home and also a copy signed by responsible person and the supervising RN or Charge Nurse to be put in doctors bin before patients is discharged out of the building.

Knows and maintains Code Blue/code cart.

Recognizes and utilizes safety precautions and procedures.

Remains familiar with equipment and supplies, including function, location, and upkeep. Assists in restocking unit as needed.

Maintains a comfortable, orderly, clean, safe environment in the Preop and Recovery areas.

Maintains Infection Prevention strategies and participates in Infection Prevention measures.

Performs other duties as deemed necessary.