FT

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for nursing care of the patient while in the Operating Room/PACU, and OPS to include assessment, medications, comfort measures, patient safety, education. Responsible for providing optimal care in a cost effective manner.  Performs duties under the supervision of the OR Unit Manager. The assignment of the patient to staff members is based upon their clinical expertise. Responsible for ordering supplies, and knowledge of location and use of emergency equipment. Must be willing to perform all aspects of OR Nursing duties i.e. scrubbing, circulating, PACU etc. Expected to participate in Quality Improvement. Performance is subject to periodic evaluation for compliance with policy/instructions and for meeting professional standards of nursing care.  Maintains patient/staff confidentiality. Knowledge of computer usage and documentation.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: 

Minimum Education:

• Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing

Minimum Experience:

• 2 years OR experience preferred.

Minimum Field of Expertise: 

• Participates in continuing education
• Knowledge of new trends and techniques in OR nursing
• Demonstrates annual competency in selected clinical skills

Required courses/training:

• CEU'S to maintain RN license
• ACLS as soon as possible after employment

Required certification: 

• Current Kansas license with renewal every 2 years
• BLS affirmation

Recommended certification:

• ACLS

Physical Demands: 

• Heavy physical efforts.
• Frequent prolonged standing/walking/sitting/reaching/stooping/bending.
• Frequently lifts supplies/equipment.
• Must be able to lift arms above head.
• Manual dexterity and mobility.
• Rapid and efficient response to emergencies.
• Must pass the Physical Capacity Profile Testing (3)

Required protective equipment: 

• Standard precautions for:  a. exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious materials; b. exposure to chemical hazards, slippery surfaces; c. exposure to noise and noxious odors; d. electrical equipment.
• Eye protection.
• Sterile and non-sterile gloves.
• Mask to cover nose and mouth.

Vision requirements: 

• Ability to see clearly at 20 feet or more
• Ability to see clearly at 20 inches or less
• Ability to see peripherally

Hearing requirements:

• Must be able to hear when spoken to in soft/low tones with constant background noise.

Personal:

• Works effectively with others, possessing tact, discretion and diplomacy
• Demonstrates leadership and teaching skill
• Possesses the ability to work under pressure
• Maintains good physical and emotional well being
• Effective communication skills
• Works quietly
• Wear appropriate, clean attire, name tag, and identifies self to patient
• Is reliable
• Possesses integrity
• Takes initiative
• Role model
• Maintains a positive attitude

Working conditions: 

• High stress due to type of occurrences associated with an OR/PACU/Same Day Surgery (SDS)
• Is subject to be called upon at anytime of the day or night to assist in emergency cases/situations/Mass Casualties
• Required to take call
• Responds by telephone/pager to this facility upon notification of a surgical procedure
• Requires weekend and holiday work.
• Is subject to overtime and low census days due to fluctuation in workload.
• Knowledgeable of responsibilities during emergency/disaster and of incident command

Degree of Supervision Required:

• Must be able to work independently

DUTIES OF AN OPERATING ROOM/PACU/SDS STAFF NURSE

• The Operating Room/PACU/SDS Staff Nurse makes an initial assessment of and determines the total nursing needs of the patients assigned to their care (i.e. interviews, assesses patient knowledge and care, current medications, vital signs).
• As Circulating Nurse responsible for insuring that each patient receive safe, optimal care, through appropriate planning and implementation of procedures (i.e. room/supplies ready, proper transportation, surgical check list assessed, OR staff has proper attire on, assist anesthesia during induction, proper positioning, proper prep, maintain aseptic environment, basic knowledge of procedure, assess patient throughout procedure, temperature of room    appropriate, specimens handled properly, records complete, safe transfer of patient to recovery room, help clean room and restock).
• As scrub nurse (if applicable) responsible for insuring that each patient receive safe, optimal care through appropriate planning and implementation of procedures (i.e. instruments and supplies ready, anticipates needs of surgeon, assist in draping and counts, practices principles of asepsis, watches for breaks in aseptic techniques, helps clean room and restock).     
• Plans safe, efficient and economical nursing care of patients while at the same time meeting other relevant standards.
• Maintains positive physician - nurse rapport.
• Dates/times and implements physician's orders.  
• Performs appropriate medication administration utilizing the five rights. Assumes responsibility for routine, PRN, and stat medications.
• Performs or reviews admission assessment on assigned patients as evidenced by appropriate documentation on care plan.
• Accurately enters orders and related information in the computer.  When the computer is “down” completes paperwork manually.
• Reduces family anxiety through education and positive emotional support.   Provides patients, significant others with an explanation of condition/procedures.  Assesses impairment affecting patient’s/significant other’s ability/willingness to learn.
• Assumes responsibility for checking outdated medication(s).
• Counts narcotics at end of shift. Informs unit manager/nursing coordinator immediately when the count is not accurate.
• Provides a calm, quiet atmosphere.
• Vigilance over patient insuring necessary safety precautions (i.e. safety strap, cautery pad placement, proper positioning, proper padding, adherence to Strict Aseptic Technique).
• Performs age specific treatments/procedures on patients as directed by the physician and the plan of care.
• Monitors patients condition and maintains accurate documentation.  Reports abnormalities or instabilities of patient’s condition in a timely manner to appropriate individuals (physicians, CRNA, Charge Nurse, Unit Manager, or Nurse Coordinator).
• Reviews and completes surgical/procedural permits.
• Reports patient’s condition to relief staff/OPS staff/staff on nursing unit of patient’s history, pertinent occurrences and pertinent lab values from peri operative permit.
• Follows Code Blue Procedure.
• Follows “Standards of Care” for surgery.
• Reads information regarding changes in schedules, memos, new Policies and Procedures, L. A. Express, and staff news.
• Recognizes legal responsibilities and functions within limitations as specified by law.
• Assists other staff members as needed.
• Participates on assigned committees.
• Attends 100% of all staff meetings/mandatory classes unless excused by the Unit Manager.
• Maintains positive working relationship with all personnel in a professional manner.
• Assists in maintaining adequate supplies and equipment necessary for delivery of care.
• Ensures patient care area is clean.
• Functions with accuracy, speed, and cooperativness in the handling of emergency situations.
• Participates in the orientation of new personnel.
• Performs nursing care to patients in a manner reflective of the hospital’s philosophy and objectives.
• Maintains knowledge of All Hospital Plans; Department of Nursing/unit Policies & Procedures; Infection Control Manual and the Personnel Policy Handbook.  Work performance is consistent with these policies and procedures.
• Responsible for knowledge and safe operation of all equipment.
• Responsible for all supplies being present for the case.
• Participates in Performance Improvement activities as directed by the Unit Manager.
• The Registered Nurse is evaluated by the Unit Manager by several methods including observation, documented counseling, and continuing education/inservices/meeting records.