RN Perioperative Float - Surgery Department, PT

JOB SUMMARY

Delivers direct/indirect patient care utilizing the nursing process through data collection and assessment; implementation and prioritization of patient’s problems and needs; and development/ implementation / evaluation of a nursing plan of care. Demonstrates critical thinking to assure the delivery of safe, quality age specific care. Delegates effectively to appropriate team members. Documents accurately and in a timely manner. Communicates and collaborates with other healthcare team members. Facilitates the surgeon in the performance of invasive therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures.  Adheres to organizational policies and procedures; regulatory/ accrediting body requirements; and professional practice standards.  Care will be provided to patients of all ages from neonate, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult to geriatric.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and operative technique.
• Knowledge of current trends and demonstration of standards of care in perioperative nursing.
• Current knowledge of the nursing role and scope of practice as defined by the State of Ohio Nurse Practice Act and the Ohio Board of Nursing.
• Current knowledge of American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics.
• Successful completion of mandatory requirements including unit proficiencies/competencies.
• Demonstration of effective problem solving, decision-making, interpersonal, and team work skills.
• Demonstration of effective verbal and written communication.
• Demonstration of positive customer service.

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/SOFTWARE

• Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Word; order entry; e-mail)
• Knowledge of and skill in using all instrumentation/ equipment in the O.R.
• Capability of operating sterilizers and other equipment used in the reprocessing of surgical instruments and equipment

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Demonstrates ability to perform effectively in emergency and stressful situations.
• Demonstrates proficiency in perioperative nursing practice as both a scrub nurse as well as a circulating nurse in the operating room.
• Assesses/ reassesses patient’s condition based upon observation of patient and interview of patient and/or family, physician’s diagnosis and data, diagnostic results, and relevant data from other healthcare providers.
• Uses professional knowledge to develop/revise nursing plans of care for the perioperative patient according to unit guidelines and serves as the patient advocate throughout the surgical procedure.
• Delivers safe nursing interventions in an organized, efficient, and prioritized manner to address identified needs.
• Coordinates the activities of the operating room and monitors the traffic flow throughout the procedure.
• Provides emotional support for the patient prior to induction.
• Assists the anesthesiologist with induction and throughout the operative phase of the perioperative experience.  Addresses unnecessary personnel in room to vacate.
• Evaluates/re-evaluates patient’s response to nursing interventions and patient’s progress to expected outcome(s).
• Collaborates and communicates effectively with team members in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient.
• Maintains an accurate account of urine and blood loss during the operative procedure.
• Maintains complete and accurate documentation of all aspects of patient care and assures that sponge, sharps and instrumentation counts are accurate and completed.
• Accepts delegated responsibilities for functions such as, but not limited to, charge nurse Circulating RN, PACU RN, ASU RN, PSS RN, ENDO RN and Holding room RN.
• Delegates responsibilities to appropriate personnel.
• Provides patients and family members with relevant health care education and instructions regarding treatments and procedures including pre/post hospital care as appropriate.
• Assist in the orientation and training of new and tenured personnel, reassigned nurses, student nurses, Patient Care Assistants, and faculty; serves as a preceptor when requested.
• Demonstrates knowledge of disaster/ emergency procedures and responds appropriately.
• Assumes responsibility and accountability for individual knowledge, skills, performance and behavior in accordance with hospital, division, and unit standards of care and policies and procedures.
• Utilizes measures to promote and maintain patient, visitor and personnel safety.
• Maintains patient, employee, physician, and organization confidentiality; respects the rights, privacy, and property of others.
• Demonstrates the appropriate use of infection control principles and personal protection equipment.
• Assists other team members in set-up, clean up, and turn over of operating rooms.
• Collaborates with other members of the perioperative team in assembling instruments and equipment for surgical cases and ensures it is working properly.
• Collaborates with team members to create and maintain an aseptic surgical environment.
• Accurately and properly mark all supply items used for each procedure.
• Perform interventions to ensure the patient is at or returned to normothermia at the conclusion of the immediate post operative period.
• Actively participates in Time Outs.
• Performs Fire Risk Assessment for each case.
• Documents case delays.
• Demonstrates proper technique when transporting, moving or positioning the patient on the operating table, while ensuring patient safety.
• Accurately prepares and labels specimens for laboratory analysis while following hospital policy.
• Ensures that sponge, sharps and instrumentation counts are accurate and reports to the surgeon.
• Applies surgical dressings
• Demonstrates advocacy for the anesthetized surgical/endoscopy patient.
• The circulator coordinates the multidisciplinary team within the surgical setting and manages the resources of the surgery room.
• Prepares the incision site as per physician preference while following AORN standards and Recommended Practices as well as hospital policy.
• Ensures safe use of equipment during procedures.
• Ensures the volume of noise level is appropriate to provide a calm environment for the patient during their procedure while ensuring that alarms are audible if needed.
• Provides information to team leaders for updating and revising surgeon preference cards in a timely manner.
• Ensures supplies used in each case are accurately recorded prior to closing the chart.
• Must maintain self control under stressful situations and workload pressures without exhibiting negative behaviors.
• Supports the mission, values, and vision of the organization.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Floats to assigned role within the perioperative setting as needed.
• Perform tasks which are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, but which may be altered or redesigned depending upon individual circumstances.
• Participates in staff meetings, educational programs, committees, PI activities, and mandatory in-services.
• Completes Unit and Hospital-wide education as assigned.
• Participates in maintaining unit functions.
• Demonstrates initiative in personal/ professional development.
• Presents a professional image.
• Assists with control of costs through the judicious use of human and material resources.
• Other duties as assigned.