Registered Nurse, Circulator, Ambulatory Surgery Center, UT Health Austin

Job Posting Title:

Registered Nurse, Circulator, Ambulatory Surgery Center, UT Health Austin

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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:

40

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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:

UT MAIN CAMPUS

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Job Details:

Purpose

The Registered Nurse, Circulator 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 three years intra-operative experience. BCLS Certification upon employment. ACLS certification within 6 months of hire. Knowledge of current surgical procedures and anesthesia care.

Experience in endoscopy and arthroscopy procedures. Knowledge of current practice of decontamination, high-level disinfectant and sterilization procedures.

Demonstrated leadership, organizing, and problem-solving skills. Effective problem-solving skills to include data analysis and judgment to make effective decisions. Ability to work with minimal supervision in a fast-paced multi-physician practice environment. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with providers, staff, and patients. Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills. Basic computer skills and experience with electronic health records.

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. 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. Experience with OBGYN, ophthalmology and orthopedic procedures.

Salary Range

$80,000+ depending on qualifications

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/movin