Registered Nurse, Pre-anesthesia

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
The Registered Nurse (RN) in the Pre-Anesthesia Clinic assesses and plans for the successful pre/post-operative nursing care associated with secondary, tertiary and quaternary pediatric patients for all patients requiring an anesthetic. The RN assesses complex patient risks and collaborates with Anesthesiologists, and initiates referrals with other interdisciplinary team members in planning for the day of surgery The RN provides pre-procedure education to patients and families in a trauma-informed manner, to minimize anxiety and maximize their preparedness for surgery. Consults and collaborates with team members/other caregivers in the identification and resolution of client/family care issues. Participates on designated hospital committees/teams and approved research projects as assigned.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Conducts baseline nursing assessment by interviewing patients/families and compiling relevant data from multiple sources. Subsequently identifies the risks, and important information from the patient/family’s perspective, and the key priorities in the development and implementation of an individualized, developmentally appropriate patient plan of care in the preparation for their surgery.

2. In accordance with ASPAN and NAPANC guidelines, takes action in resolving complex patient needs during their pre-anesthesia appointment, and in relation to pre- procedure issues to prevent day of surgery delays and/or enhance overall coordination of care. Collaborates with other interdisciplinary team members and reorganizes priorities and revises patient plan of care as appropriate.
3. Participates in the coordination of patient care by liaising and communicating with a range of health care professionals and other departments/resources internal or external to the hospital to provide information on the patient’s status. Monitors patient lab and/or diagnostic test results, communicates abnormal results to the interprofessional team, and takes appropriate action as required.
4. Maintains a safe environment for patients, families and acts as a client advocate to ensure all the required documentation is completed.
5. Participates in activities, including research and Quality Improvement projects, that are required to enhance and optimize the delivery of care consistent with established policies, standards and philosophy at British Columbia’s Children’s Hospital and in accordance with the Nurse and Nurse Practitioners of British Columbia (NNPBC) standards.
6. Provides direct and indirect patient care for patients and families in accordance with ASPAN & NAPANC guidelines, for patients in the Pre-Anesthesia clinic, including both virtual and in-person appointments.
7. Collaborates effectively as a member of the interprofessional perianesthesia healthcare team.
8. Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications:

Education, Training & Experience
• Graduation from an approved School of Nursing with current practicing registration as an RN with the British Columbia College of Nursing Professionals (BCCNP).
• Two (2) years of recent related experience in acute, tertiary, surgical care environment including demonstrated experience in multiple surgical services and recent pediatric PACU experience in a tertiary level setting or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• CPR Training – Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) – Level 1.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification
Skills & Abilities
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to relate effectively to children and their families.
• Ability to participate as a member of multidisciplinary care team, and function as a nursing resource.
• Physical ability to perform the duties of the job.
• Ability to operate related equipment.