(PRN) Circulator/Scrub Registered Nurse (RN), Ambulatory Surgery Center

Job Posting Title:

(PRN) Circulator/Scrub Registered Nurse (RN), Ambulatory Surgery Center

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Hiring Department:

Dell Medical School

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

8

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

AUSTIN, TX

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Job Details:

Purpose

The Circulator/Scrub Registered Nurse will serve as a key team member in the Ambulatory Surgery Center at UT Health Austin. This position is responsible for planning, executing, and evaluating the nursing care provided to the surgical patient during the intra-operative period as a circulating nurse. Nursing care meets the standards of the profession, the policies and procedures of the Center and is appropriate to the needs of patients and their families.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates practical, technical or specialized knowledge and skills required for the role of the peri-operative nurse in compliance with regulations and standards of practice. Demonstrates knowledge of surgical procedures and has the ability to oversee the instrument and equipment set-up, prepare for the case utilizing preference cards, and anticipates needs of surgeon.

• Facilitates transition between surgical procedures. Demonstrates knowledgeable patient management, including anesthesia procedures, response to potentially critical situations and sudden changes in patient condition, i.e., cardiopulmonary arrest, malignant hyperthermia, etc.

• Contacts patients in advance of procedures for an assessment during the preoperative phase. Performs thorough patient interview and assessment, and assures a detailed time out process. Reviews charts for completeness prior to and after the surgical procedure. Assures consent and other relevant information is on chart prior to the start of procedure. Participates in hand-off communication to PACU staff to ensure continuity of care.

• Participates in the anesthesia time-out process if performed in the pre-op area prior to administration of pre-operative blocks or prior to the induction of anesthesia. Responsible for medication management, including controlled substances.

• Responsible for the handling of biohazardous materials and surgical specimens. Assures all members of the surgical team comply with principles of surgical asepsis and sterile technique. 

• Other related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Active Texas RN license and a minimum of one year of intra-operative experience

• BLS Certification upon employment

• ACLS certification within 6 months of hire

• Knowledge of current surgical procedures and anesthesia care

• Experience in at least two of the following service lines: endoscopy, orthopedics, ophthalmology, gynecology, general surgery, urology, plastics

• Knowledge of current infection control and sterile technique practices. 

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Nursing

• At least three years of operating room experience

• CNOR certification

• Bilingual in English and Spanish

• Experience in an ambulatory surgery center

• Experience in the pre- and post-op settings

• Experience as a scrub nurse

Salary Range

FLEXIBLE

Working Conditions

• Work hours are variable based on patient care needs but are generally Monday-Friday

• Ability to sit and stand for prolonged periods of time, ability to walk, some bending, stooping and stretching

• Ability to perform overhead and low reaching activities

• Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to provide patient care and operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, and occasional use of other office equipment

• Requires normal range of hearing/eyesight/voice projection to record, prepare, and communicate appropriately 

• Physical strength for equipment needs and patient care activities; may require frequent lifting/moving up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting/moving in excess of 50 pounds  

• Ability to move quickly in response to patient needs

• Exposure to noisy equipment 

• Work is performed in a patient care setting and may involve exposure to infections, communicable diseases and hazardous materials, radiation/laser, waste gases and blood and body fluids.