Operating Room Circulator

Description

The Operating Room Circular is responsible for the nursing care of patients while in the operating room. Participates as a team member or team leader in the planning and implementing of patient care. Able to utilize a body of nursing knowledge while giving direct and indirect patient care. Directs and assists in carrying out safe aseptic technique and procedures as adopted by the Clinical Administrator. Offers leadership to O.R. technicians, medical assistants, aid central service technicians.

A. Objectives:

1. Exhibits ability to coordinate the general flow of activities during case.
2. Is conscious of the patient as an individual and behaves with courtesy, kindness, and discretion.
3. May be able to function in roll of scrub nurse when needed.
4. Knows basic principles of sterilization and disinfecting instruments and equipment; understands aseptic technique.
5. Has ability to explain .and demonstrate new procedures and techniques.
6. Secures emergency equipment and supplies when and as needed.
7. Know the equipment and instruments necessary for specific procedures.
8. Be able to assist in positioning the patient properly.
9. Be able to assist the anesthesiologist/anesthetist.
10. Recognize emergency situations and initiate proper action.
11. Be able to complete forms and reports correctly.
12. Be alert, calm and courteous at all times.
13. Conforms to all rules and regulations governing the operating room.
14. Assists in maintaining and processing supplies and instruments required in the operating room.
15. Assists with obtaining special instruments, sets, and equipment as necessary from off-site locations. Assists with tracking equipment and instruments that have been loaned or harrowed.
16. Assists with the training of new employees through mentoring.
17. Demonstrates interpersonal skills that promote a team concept, resolves problems through the appropriate chain of command, is positive and professional, and can communicate effectively with surgeons, peers, and other health care members.
18. Be able to anticipate future needs of the surgical team. Follow your case.
19. Anticipate the needs of the team and be observant for breaks in technique.
20. A RN will be assigned as a circulating nurse for each room.
21. Follow pharmacy sen-ice policies in accordance with all federal, state and local laws.
22. Performs all other duties assigned.

B. Before Surgery:

1. Check and stock your room with supplies.
2. Wipe your lights and tables with germicide. Reflective cleaner may be used on the reflection areas of the lights.
3. Make sure the suctions are back together and in working order.
4. Prepare for the first case of the day. This includes instruments and equipment that are needed. Also obtain needed x-rays.
5. Begin opening your packs and instruments.
6. Assist scrub; ie. tie gown, count together, tum. Only radiopaque sponges may be put on the back table at the start of the case.
7. Saline should be placed on back table. If copious amounts of saline are to be used, they may be placed in one of the double basins put on the back table.
8. Inquire in the holding area for your patient. Check the following:

a) Identify the patient, verbally and with the armband.

b) Check the patient's chart for all necessary papers.

c) Ask the patient what procedure is to be done and which anatomical site.

d) Ask the patient about dentures, jewelry, metal, allergies, etc. Check the chart. Report at once anything unusual about the chart or patient.

e) Make sure a headcover is on the patient and proceed to the room.

f) Assist the patient onto the OR table. Untie gown strings, secure knee straps above the knees (if appropriate). and position on the table. Cover with warm blankets.

9. Assist the Anesthesiologist/ CRNA as needed. Never leave the room during induction; remain with the

patient at his/her side.

10. Check to see if the patient was properly shaved. Adjust the spotlights and proceed with skin prep.

11. Place cautery ground pad on the patient after positioned.

C. Responsibilities during any Operation:

1. Must know the Procedure and the surgeon.
2. Checking the room and equipment.

a) Bring in and arrange additional equipment that will be needed.

b) Make sure equipment is functioning properly.

c) Set up needle and instrument counts.

3. Obtain sterile supplies for procedure provided if scrub nurse has not done this.

4. Prepare and open equipment and supplies for the scrub nurse/tech.

a) Set up scrub nurse's gown and gloves.

b) Set up prep trays.

c) Open sterile supplies.

5. Receive your patient.

a) Talk with the patient soon after he/she arrives in the OR-

b) Re-identify an