Registered Nurse (RN) – Ambulatory Surgery Center
Position Title: Registered Nurse (RN)
Department: Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC)
Reports To: ASC Administrator / Director of Nursing
Employment Status: Full-Time
Position Summary
The Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing safe, compassionate, and efficient nursing care to patients throughout the ambulatory surgical experience. The RN may provide care during the pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative/recovery phases, as assigned.
The RN works closely with physicians, anesthesia providers, surgical staff, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety, quality care, and an excellent patient experience.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform comprehensive nursing assessments and obtain accurate patient histories and vital signs.
- Verify patient identification, procedure, allergies, medications, medical history, and informed consent.
- Prepare patients for scheduled procedures according to physician and facility protocols.
- Establish and maintain IV access and administer medications and fluids as ordered.
- Monitor patients before, during, and after procedures as appropriate to the assigned area.
- Assist physicians and anesthesia providers during procedures as needed.
- Monitor patients for changes in condition and promptly report abnormalities to the physician or anesthesia provider.
- Provide post-anesthesia and recovery care according to facility policies and applicable standards.
- Assess pain, nausea, vital signs, airway, level of consciousness, and overall patient condition.
- Administer medications safely and accurately.
- Maintain accurate and complete nursing documentation in the medical record.
- Follow all medication administration, infection prevention, and patient safety policies.
- Safely transport patients from procedure rooms to the recovery/PACU area following procedures, using appropriate transfer techniques and equipment.
- Provide appropriate monitoring and nursing care during patient transport and communicate the patient's condition, procedure, medications, and any concerns to the receiving recovery nurse.
- Ensure patient safety during transfers, including proper positioning, use of side rails, and appropriate assistance as indicated.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and properly stocked nursing, patient, and procedure area.
- Make and change patient beds between cases and as needed to maintain a clean, sanitary, and comfortable patient-care environment.
- Collect used linens and laundry and place them in the appropriate designated area according to facility procedures.
- Keep the laundry current throughout the workday and ensure an adequate supply of clean linens is available for patient care.
- Assist with maintaining clean, orderly, and properly stocked patient rooms, recovery areas, and nursing areas in accordance with infection-control policies.
- Participate in patient discharge teaching and provide written and verbal instructions to patients and responsible adults.
- Confirm that discharge criteria have been met before releasing patients.
- Respond appropriately to emergencies and participate in emergency preparedness procedures.
- Maintain competency in CPR and other required certifications.
- Assist with inventory control and notify management of needed supplies or equipment.
- Follow HIPAA and patient confidentiality requirements at all times.
- Participate in quality improvement and patient safety activities.
- Communicate professionally and respectfully with patients, families, physicians, coworkers, and visitors.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Administrator or Director of Nursing.
Patient Safety Responsibilities
The RN is expected to:
- Follow all ASC policies and procedures.
- Verify the correct patient, procedure, and site before treatment.
- Follow infection-control, environmental-cleanliness, and linen-handling requirements.
- Maintain medication safety and controlled-substance procedures.
- Report patient safety concerns, incidents, and changes in patient condition immediately.
- Maintain emergency equipment and supplies according to facility policy.
- Ensure appropriate documentation is completed before, during, and after the patient's visit.
- Maintain a safe, clean, and organized environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
Qualifications
- Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
- Current BLS/CPR certification.
- ACLS certification as required by the facility and assigned responsibilities.
- Previous ambulatory surgery, endoscopy, procedural, PACU, critical care, or perioperative nursing experience preferred.
- Strong assessment, communication, organizational, and critical-thinking skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced outpatient surgical environment.
- Ability to work cooperatively with physicians, anesthesia providers, and other healthcare professionals.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
- Ability to lift, move, and assist patients safely.
- Ability to bend, stoop, reach, and perform duties required in a clinical environment.
- Ability to safely transfer and transport patients between procedure and recovery areas.
- Ability to make and change patient beds and handle routine linen/laundry duties.
- Ability to respond quickly to patient emergencies.
- Ability to use standard medical equipment and computer systems.
Professional Expectations
The RN is expected to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor, arrive on time and prepared for the scheduled shift, maintain patient confidentiality, communicate respectfully with coworkers, maintain a clean and organized work environment, and contribute to a positive team environment.
Work Location: In person
