The RN is responsible for delivering comprehensive pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative nursing care at a level that meets or exceeds the expectations of both physicians and facility management. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Pre-Operative Care:
- Admit patients and prepare them both physically and emotionally for surgery.
- Follow physician orders regarding IVs, medications, and other pre-op preparations. Ensure that all orders are time-stamped and dated.
- Communication:
- Inform relevant parties (e.g., family, colleagues) about changes in surgical schedules, including delays or late surgeons.
- Aseptic Technique & Clinical Skills:
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of aseptic technique and infection control.
- Perform and interpret vital signs, auscultate lung/heart sounds, and recognize abnormal findings.
- Competently start IVs using aseptic technique.
- Surgical Support:
- Possess strong knowledge of the physiological and anatomical aspects of surgical procedures.
- Assist surgeons and anesthesiologists as necessary during procedures.
- Function as a circulating nurse when required.
- Administer IV conscious sedation under supervision when necessary.
- Patient Monitoring & Emergency Care:
- Identify and communicate any changes in patient condition to the healthcare team.
- Assist in managing patient emergencies and follow BCLS/ACLS protocols.
- Narcotics Handling:
- Count narcotics at the beginning and end of each day with another nurse and ensure proper documentation.
- Ensure that narcotic waste is witnessed and signed by a second nurse.
- Medication Management:
- Follow medication regulations, including proper labeling, usage of single-dose vials, checking expiration dates, and aseptic technique.
- Ensure documentation of medication administration is accurate, including the type, dosage, route, and site.
- Verify that all medication administration is based on physician orders.
- End-of-Day Duties:
- Ensure all admitting, operating, and recovery rooms are fully stocked and ready for the next day.
- Post-Operative Care:
- Provide comprehensive post-op care, including pain control, management of nausea/vomiting, wound care, and following physician orders.
- Suction patients as needed and assist with their recovery.
- Discharge & Follow-Up:
- Prepare patients for discharge, including providing post-op instructions to the patient and caregiver.
- Conduct follow-up calls the next working day to assess patient progress and document findings in the chart.
- Ongoing Education & Compliance:
- Stay current with new medications and procedures used in the operating room.
- Attend a minimum of six in-services annually, and complete all mandatory education requirements.
- Maintain compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, Risk Management, Fire Safety, and Infection Control protocols.
- Regularly check the crash cart, defibrillator, oxygen, and AED, and document weekly checks.
- Log refrigerator temperatures daily.
Additional Duties:
- Ensure chart packets are complete for daily use.
- Stay updated on scheduling changes and admissions coordination with office staff.
Qualifications:
- Graduate of an accredited nursing school with a current Arizona State RN license.
- Ability to function under pressure in emergency situations, prioritize tasks, and make quick decisions.
- ACLS and BCLS certification (must be renewed within 30 days of expiration).
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with coworkers and physicians.
- Physical stamina to manage the demands of patients recovering from anesthesia, which may involve restlessness or combativeness.
- Must be able to stand for extended periods, lift heavy objects, and perform the physical demands of patient care.
Work Location: In person
