Or Rn, FT .8

Purpose

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, contributes professional nursing knowledge and skills in the provision and management of care to patients and families. Collaborates with physicians and the multidisciplinary team while providing physical and psychological support to patients in the operative setting. Delivers safe and reliable care for patients undergoing surgical procedures, including the surgical scrub roles, utilizing the nursing process and critical thinking skills. Provides patient advocacy while maintaining a strong understanding of sterile environment. 

Essential Job Functions

• Maintains knowledge of effectively caring for a patient undergoing anesthesia, including but not limited to general anesthesia, Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC) anesthesia and regional block anesthesia, conscious sedation, and local anesthesia.
• Utilizes critical thinking in developing nursing interventions while maintaining responsibility and accountability for the for the knowledge of conditions assigned.
• Utilizes a holistic approach (considering physical, psych/social, spiritual, educational, safety, and accountability for the conditions of assigned patients.
• Assess and chooses teaching strategies appropriate to the patient's and their families age specific needs, culture, gender, readiness to learn and level of comprehension.
• Prepares the Operating Room for the arrival of the surgical patients, assembles equipment, supplies, and instruments for surgical procedures according to preference cards and type of procedure.
• Assists with patient care activities including transporting patient, surgical scrub prep, positioning, application of cautery ground pad, and tourniquet cuff.
• Responsible for maintaining the integrity, safety and efficacy of the sterile field. Uses aseptic technique. Performs instrument, sponge, and sharp counts.
• Demonstrates correct technique in handling of instruments, sutures, specimens, and medications.
• Consistently delivers high quality care demonstrating nursing knowledge and skills in the operating room in accordance with established policies and procedures and standards of care.
• Demonstrates initiative to improve quality and customer service by striving to exceed customer expectations.
• Assists in maintaining a clean, orderly and safe environment.
• Assists with OR room turnover including opening sterile supplies and instruments.
• Performs routine cleaning on equipment.
• Documents patient status and care given while the patient undergoes the surgical procedure.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Maintains an assertive yet supportive manner when functioning with team members and physicians.
• Establishes a climate of mutual respect and trust with patients, families, team members and physicians.
• Demonstrates knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.
• Demonstrates initiative to improve quality and customer service.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Competencies

• Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year.
• Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse.
• Must be able to communicate effectively with people of diverse professional, educational and lifestyle backgrounds.
• Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, TJC, OSHA, DIA and other federal/ state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.

Supervisory Responsibility

Overseeing the nursing care during a surgical procedure, ensuring proper patient positioning, managing the sterile field, assigning tasks to other nurses, monitoring patient vital signs, communicating effectively with the surgical team, and ensuring all necessary equipment and supplies are readily available for surgical procedures.

Materials Responsibility

1. selecting and passing instruments and supplies to the surgeon during surgery.
2. Cleaning surgical equipment and operating rooms.
3. Preparing the patient's skin for surgery.
4. Working with patients before, during, and after surgery.
5. Answering questions and educating patients on surgical procedures and post-surgery.
6. Monitoring patient vital signs.
7. Report adverse reactions to medications.
8. Maintaining and updating patient files, medical charts, and health records.

Key Relationships

1. Must be understanding and patient.
2. Ability to work under time constraints.
3. Must be able to work independently and assume responsibility for timely completing of assigned functions.
4. Ability to understand and deal effectively with problems and opportunities. 
5. Ability to maintain confidential information.

Position Specifications

Education

Graduate of accredited nursing program. Associate's Degree.

Field of Study

Nursing

Special Training

1. Must possess and maintain current Basis Life Support (BLS) certification.
2. Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).
3. Pediatric Life Support (PALS)
4. Dependent Adult and Child Abuse Mandatory reporting for the State of Iowa. 

Training Preferred

Nursing

Licensure / Registration

Current licensure in good standing to practice as a Registered Nurse in Iowa.

Experience

2-3 years working in the Operating Room

Interpersonal Skills

Excellent communication, active listening, strong teamwork, ability to adapt quickly, attention to detail, respect for colleagues, clear and concise verbal communication, ability to handle high-pressure situations, and the capacity to build rapport with the surgical team; all while maintaining a professional demeanor and prioritizing patient safety. 

Working Conditions:

1. May stand for long periods, more heavy equipment, and hold instruments for extended periods. 
2. Nurses may experience stress, burnout, and fatigue from long hours, and working under pressure.
3. Nurses may be exposed to sharp objects, chemicals, disinfectants, sterilizers, radiation, and infectious diseases. At risk for needle stick injuries. 
4. May develop skin problems from exposure to latex, surgical equipment, sterilizers, and disinfectants.

Possible Exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens

Yes

Service Excellence Expectations

•  Adheres to the “Values and Behavior Statement” of Jackson County Regional Health Center.
•  Adheres to HIPAA and maintains confidentiality as relates to all patient and medical information.
•  Works in a safe manner at all times and adheres to our safety programs and service expectations.