Job Abstract

The Pain Medicine RN is responsible for preparing patients, gathering supplies, and assisting the physician during the procedure. They are also responsible for the preoperative care of pain medicine patients and making pre- and post-operative calls. The RN also helps with general cleaning between procedures and restocking bedside carts and cabinets.

• Obtains a thorough medical history by interviewing the patient or family members, documenting pertinent information, and communicating it to the physician.
• Utilizes assessment skills and tools to identify problems, needs, and interventions.
• Recognizes the patient's and family’s need for instructions and initiates appropriate action.
• Set action priorities based on problem-solving processes, common sense, and meeting patient care priorities.
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to signs and symptoms of health-threatening changes and reports abnormal results of diagnostic studies to the appropriate physician.
• Utilizes work assignments to develop individuals' unique abilities and meet the special needs of patients and significant others.
• Establishes and maintains an aseptic environment for each Pain Medicine patient.
• Administers parenteral therapy according to Policy.
• Administers medications according to SHOLA Policy and physician orders.
• Carries out physician's orders accurately, clarifying questionable orders.
• Performs treatments and procedures according to SHOLA Policies.
• Completes appropriate Competency Checklists annually.
• Cost-effectively maintains adequate supplies and equipment in appropriate working conditions.
• Assists in maintenance and cleanliness of supplies, procedure rooms, and preop area.
• Initiates nurse-physician communication appropriately.
• Assists in facilitating the patient-physician-nurse communication process.
• Completes proper documentation for preop, intraop, and post-op Pain Medicine patients.
• Completes proper documentation of case cancellations.
• Reviews preop and postop instructions specific to procedure and physician preference.
• Schedule/Reschedule Pain procedures and clinic appointments.
• Exhibits good communication with the clinic and rehab hospital.
• Admit and assessment of patients for swallow function studies.
• Initiates and carries out appropriate emergency procedures.
• Detects early signs and symptoms of post-injection complications and reports observations promptly to the treating physician.
• Document, in writing, the specific actions during a code and convey this information to the Clinical Services Director.
• Assumes leadership role as a role model, especially in crises.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and quiet environment for patients and other personnel.
• Provides patient privacy and confidentiality, maintaining patients' dignity.
• Utilizes sound nursing judgment, as evidenced by the ability to provide a rationale for decisions made.
• Demonstrates organization skills: Anticipates physician needs and provides timely availability of supplies and equipment.
• Recognizes potential benefits of selected new products and discusses possible acquisition for use with the Director.
• Serves as a resource person for updating or improving patient care practices.
• Serves as a preceptor in the orientation of new employees.
• Assists in the development and implementation of departmental goals.
• Possesses a working knowledge of Preop, Pain Medicine, and Postop equipment.
• Cross-trained in all Perioperative areas.

The statements mentioned above outline the general duties necessary to describe the essential functions of this position. However, they are not meant to be considered a comprehensive description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.

Education: Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

Experience: Two (2) years’ of experience preferred.

Licenses/Certificates: Currently licensed as a registered nurse by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing. Current American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS & BLS certifications.

Special Skill:

Physical Requirements:

Supervisor: Pain/Radiology Clinical Services Director

Positions reporting directly to this position: None