Surgical Services RN- OR 36 hours/wk

Description

JOB SUMMARY AND SCOPE

$2500. sign on bonus

The Surgical Services Registered Nurse (RN) plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive, high-quality patient care throughout the perioperative continuum. This includes preoperative preparation, intraoperative assistance as a circulating and scrub nurse, and postoperative care in both Phase I and Phase II recovery. The RN must be able to anticipate patient and surgical team needs, ensure adherence to safety protocols, and effectively communicate with all members of the perioperative team. This role also includes participating in an on-call rotation to respond to urgent and emergency surgical cases outside of standard operating hours.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Maine
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (required)
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification (required for PACU, must be obtained within six months of hire)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification (required for PACU, must be obtained within six months of hire)
• Minimum of one year of experience in medical/surgical or perioperative nursing
• Proficiency in basic computer kills and electronic medical records (EMR) documentation
• Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification preferred

Essential Job Functions

Preoperative Responsibilities:

Conduct comprehensive patient assessments to evaluate readiness for surgery, including:

• Reviewing medical history, current medications, allergies, and potential risk factors
• Assessing baseline vital signs and overall health status
• Establishing and maintaining IV access as per physician orders
• Verify that all preoperative documentation is accurate and complete, including:
  • Surgical and anesthesia consents
  • History & Physical (H&P) reports
  • Relevant lab results and imaging studies
  • Provide patient education, explaining the surgical procedure, anesthesia plan, and postoperative expectations
  • Collaborate with the surgical team to address any concerns or last-minute changes in the surgical plan

Intraoperative Responsibilities:

• Function as a Circulating Nurse, ensuring a safe and sterile surgical environment:
  • Position and prepare the patient according to surgical needs
  • Maintain accurate sponge, needle, and instrument counts to prevent retained surgical items
  • Monitor sterile field integrity and assist the surgical team as needed
• Function as a Scrub Nurse, preparing and handling sterile instruments and supplies:
  • Anticipate surgeon’s needs and provide instruments efficiently
  • Ensure aseptic technique is maintained throughout the procedure
• Enforce surgical safety measures, including:
  • Proper patient identification, time-out procedures, and correct site verification
  • Protection from thermal, electrical, and positioning-related injuries
  • Proper specimen collection, labeling, and handling
• Assist in responding to emergencies intraoperatively, such as changes in patient condition, bleeding complications, or anesthesia-related issues

Postoperative Responsibilities (Phase I & Phase II Recovery):

• Monitor patients in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) following surgical procedures and anesthesia administration
  • Assess airway patency, respiratory status, hemodynamic stability, and pain control
  • Recognize and respond promptly to post-anesthesia complications, such as nausea, respiratory distress, or delayed awakening
  • Administer appropriate pain medications, antiemetics, and fluids as per post-op orders
• Provide emotional support and education to patients and their caregivers regarding post-surgical care, including:
  • Wound care instructions and activity restrictions
  • Pain management strategies
  • Follow-up appointments and discharge instructions
• Ensure safe patient transfers to inpatient units or facilitate discharge home when criteria are met
• Conduct postoperative call-backs to assess patient recovery and address any concerns

On-Call Responsibilities:

Participate in the surgical on-call rotation, responding to emergency surgical cases during evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays

· Arrive promptly when called in and assist in emergency procedures, including trauma, urgent c-sections, and unplanned surgical interventions

· Work efficiently under pressure, collaborating with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and ot