Intraoperative RN - Surgery - Full Time

JOB TITLE:    INTRAOPERATIVE RN 

DEPARTMENT:   SURGERY

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Operating Room Circulator RN is responsible for the delivery and documentation of patient care during the intra-operative period.  The RN will assess the patient’s needs, physiologically as well as emotionally, and plan nursing care accordingly.  The nursing role during this phase focuses on providing quality patient care through familiarity with and adherence to policies and procedures, and standards of practice for perioperative nursing.  She/he will also monitor compliance to established standards and policies and procedures for surgical scrubs.  He/she will facilitate and demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues and supervisors at all times.

GIBSON AREA HOSPITAL & HEALTH SERVICES MISSION STATEMENT

To provide personalized, professional healthcare services to the residents of the communities we serve.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1.    Performs the perioperative nursing role to include preoperative assessment of the patient, nursing care plan formulation, operative care plan implementation, and postoperative evaluation of the patient’s response/outcome.  Also evaluates the effectiveness and appropriateness of nursing care provided with documentation of such.

2.    Demonstrates understanding and utilization of principles of asepsis in all duties.

3.    Assists in the setting up and performance of cases by assembly of equipment and supplies according to sterile technique.  

4.    Assists in the setting up and performance of cases by opening of sterile pack, instruments, and supplies according to sterile technique.  
 
5.    Prepares each patient for surgery by: positioning the patient in the appropriate position, preparing the patient’s operative site, confirming the procedure and site according to the surgeon’s history and physical and operating room team, and helping move the patient to and from the operating table.  

6.    Assists anesthesia personnel with the intubation/extubation of patients, the monitoring of fluid volume balance, the administration of blood/blood products, and the thermo-regulation of the patient.

7.    Performs surgical counts (sponges, sharps, and instruments) and documents nursing care on legal records.

8.    Handles specimens according to proper procedure.

9.    Assists in the clean-up of the operating room following surgery, including proper disposal of used supplies and sharps.

10.    Assumes responsibility for intra-operative patient safety related to positioning activities, the use of equipment, and the use of chemicals and solutions.

11.    Is responsible for complete and thorough performance of assigned tasks, addressing specific needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients as necessary.

12.    Acts as the nursing advocate for the patient, upholding the patient’s rights.  Collaborates with other professional team members.

13.    Monitors the patient’s level of consciousness, electrocardiogram, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation during local anesthetic procedures.

14.    Uses supplies conservatively and efficiently.

15.    Performs infection control activities to include observation of the surgical team during procedures, taking corrective actions as needed to maintain aseptic technique.  Provides a surgically clean environment for patient care.  Ensures the sterility of supplies and instrumentation used during operative procedures. ses supplies conservatively and efficiently.

16.    Adheres to and practices Gibson Area Hospital and & Health Services Compliance Program and participates in Performance Improvement activities.  
 
17.    Is knowledgeable of policies and procedures of the department and facility.

18.    Maintains professional competency through appropriate continuing education.

19.    Performs other related duties incidental to the work described herein, or as assigned by the Surgery Team Leader, Surgical Services Manager.  

20.    Cover in Pre-op/PACU areas as needed.

21.    When participating in an on-call capacity, the RN adheres to unit call requirements (including 30 minute response time), call rotation, and call guidelines to facilitate coverage of OR call during after hours, weekends, and Holidays as needed.

PHYSICAL/EMOTIONAL  REQUIREMENTS

1.    Visual acuity to observe patient assessment data and use manual/automated documentation tools. 

1.    Auditory acuity to hear patient verbal communication and gather dat