RN Surgery Circulator

Essential Duties:

1. Performs scrub and circulating nurse functions to safely assist the Surgeon during surgical procedures.


2. Assists Anesthetist as necessary and as requested.


3. Performs recovery room nurse functions for post-anesthesia patient care.  Safely cares for intubated patients and utilizes principles of extubation.


4. Understands and uses surgical principles and techniques, i.e., aseptic and sterile technique, bacteriology and sterilization methods, electrical hazards, anatomy and physiology and body mechanics for safe and effective surgical care.


5. Safely uses equipment in the Operating Room, i.e., cardiac monitor, cautery machine, pneumatic tourniquet, respirator.


6. Performs surgical preparations safely, as indicated: starts and maintains urinary drainage systems, blood transfusions, naso-gastric suction and intravenous lines to carry out medical orders.


7. Administers medications including orals, injectables, intravenous solutions and blood components.  Follows proper procedure to ensure safe medication administration and reduce medication errors.  Utilizes knowledge of anesthetic drugs and their actions for the post-anesthesia patient.  Considers age, size and individual patient needs and responses, especially for pain management.


8. Assesses and safely monitors IV sedation patients during endoscopy procedures.


9. Observes, assesses, reports and documents subjective/objective data to maintain an accurate and timely medical record, i.e., patient's condition, pain management, reaction to drugs, significant incidents, intake and output, vital signs.


10. Reports all unusual conditions to Surgery Supervisor or physician, as appropriate, to assist with safe provision of care.


11. Performs pre-op and post-op patient/family teaching to meet the identified needs of the surgical patient.  Includes patient safety concerns and responsibilities and pain management information.


12. Initiates and/or assists with Basic Cardiac Life Support in cardiopulmonary arrest (when indicated) and maintains CPR proficiency.       


13. Complies and assists others to comply with established policies and procedures for safety and infection control when giving patient care to ensure the well-being of patient, family, visitors, and staff, i.e., siderails, cart straps, body substance isolation, disaster.


14. Duties, responsibilities, requirements and expectations of this job are subject to change as needed.

1. Graduate from a Registered Nursing education program


2. Maintain active MN RN licensure


3. Maintain active BLS certification


4. Maintain active ACLS certification


5. Minimum of 1 year experience in inpatient/Med-Surg nursing; or combined years of relevant education and experience to perform the essential duties of this position.