Summary
The perioperative nurse is a Registered Professional Nurse who, under the immediate supervision of the Nurse Manager, is responsible for the safety of the patient while in the surgical suite and assists with the supervision of nonprofessional personnel in the area.
By assessment of the individual patient and procedure, he/she anticipates the needs of the surgical team and provides such services while maintaining an aseptic and safe environment.
The RN promotes restoration of health and achievement of patient health goals through assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation in the delivery of patient care as defined by ambulatory care nursing philosophy and the mission of the practice.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
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Supervises and directs patient care in an individual surgical suite.
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Ensures that proper techniques and practices are used according to accepted standards of practice.
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Supervises other personnel in the room and directs or assists as necessary.
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Ensures care of patient through proper identification, checking of chart, and reporting of changes in condition.
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Immediately reports any unusual occurrences to charge nurse.
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Performs scrub duties as necessary and keeps current (desired trait).
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Performs all circulating duties with efficiency and speed.
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Supervises and assists scrub nurse as necessary.
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Positions patient, prepares operative area, and adjusts table to proper position according to standard policies.
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Has all supplies and equipment in room and provides to team as necessary.
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Opens all sterile packs and supplies according to aseptic technique.
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Maintains count of sponges, needles, and instruments to ensure no loss of items according to present policy.
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Identifies physical symptoms and changes and takes appropriate action in a timely manner.
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Meets current documentation standards and policies.
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Assures confidentiality of patient’s records.
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Reviews surgeon's preference cards for desired medications and verifies same with surgeon.
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Demonstrates ability to assist surgeons, anesthesia personnel and other personnel as necessary.
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Demonstrates ability to formulate an individualized plan of care as indicated and evaluates for effectiveness.
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Coordinates patient care with staff in preoperative area and PACU.
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Gives care to the patient reflecting flexibility as indicated by individual patient needs.
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Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of facts, diseases/surgical conditions, care required and good judgement.
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Cares for specimens and cultures as directed by set policies and procedures.
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Performance reflects knowledge in all areas of care specific to the patient
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Provides orderly progression of schedule through coordinating and assisting in efficient room turnover and notifies nurse director of any changes.
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Accompanies patient to PACU and reports to nurse on patient and procedure to ensure continuity of care.
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Provides for continuity of individual patient care.
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Demonstrates competency in use and care of equipment.
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Receives and gives patient report to ensure good care.
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Provides for psychosocial needs of patient.
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Demonstrates competency in administration of medications and IV fluid based on age of the patient and patient’s clinical condition.
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Assists in preoperative area and PACU as needed.
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Assists in control and maintenance of supplies and equipment.
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Records used items in proper place and method directed.
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Reports and records discrepancies in items.
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Assists in administrative duties as directed.
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Assists with maintenance of records and statistics.
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Assists in establishment and maintenance of procedures, policies, and standards.
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Assists in scheduling of surgical procedures.
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Assists in supervision of personnel in the surgical center to provide optimum assurance of safe environment.
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Checks rooms, material, and equipment for proper care and handling.
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Ensures clean, safe environment through continued alertness to safety and explosive hazards and aseptic techniques.
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Coordinates with surgical tech to maintain high standards and quality in the materials used.
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Assists in control of traffic and personnel to ensure proper control of infection and asepsis.
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Assists in surgical suite staff development and quality improvement program.
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Assists in formulation and interpretation of procedures, standards, and techniques.
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Assists in orientation of new personnel.
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Assists in evaluation of all surgical suite activities, nursing care given, and of personnel and techniques.
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Avails his or herself in the ongoing nursing education process of the surgical center.
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Reviews pertinent periodicals, scientific and medical and related literature.
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Participates in quality improvement activities.
Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.
Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:
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Teamwork – Accountable to team, respectfully appreciate the view of team members, open to new ideas and responsibilities, communicate with team regarding overall patient care including using resources efficiently, working toward a positive patient experience.
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Customer Service – Works well with patients and/or Operating Room Staff, vendors, and physicians, by keeping them informed and promoting a positive image of the company. Maintains confidentiality.
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Dependability – Meets deadlines, works independently, is punctual and has good attendance. Identifies, troubleshoots, and solve daily situational problem that arise. Identifies when to involve management appropriately.
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Organizational Skills – Maintains efficient and organized workspace. Manages time well.
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Technical Skills – Maintains current understanding of technical processes and equipment. Uses technology to increase performance and productivity.
Product Expertise - Knows products features, understands marketplace, shares expertise with others. -
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
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Graduate of accredited School of Nursing Previous.
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Previous experience in pain management and/or orthopedics' preferred.
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ASC experience preferred
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Conscious sedation experience preferred.
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ACLS and BLS certification required. If not ACLS certified when hired, will obtain within three months of hire. This position requires involvement in preparation of State and AAAHC Surveys.
Language Skills
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Ability to respond to common inquiries from patients, patient’s representative, and physicians. Ability to read and interpret diagnostic studies and medical records. Ability to read and interpret policies and procedures, and IFUs. Ability to effectively present information to patients, patient’s representative, physicians, and regulatory agencies. Ability to communicate in a second language is a plus.
Mathematical Skills
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Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as weight, height, and medication dosing.
Reasoning Ability
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Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out written/oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving variables in situations, equipment and schedule changes.
Computer Skills
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To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of MS Word, including Outlook, and Advantix. Athena preferred.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
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Georgia State's Board of Nursing Licensure - NCLEX, Certified American Heart Association's Certification - BLS Certified
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, and hear. The employee may be required to be on their feet much of the day, and may be required to push, pull, or tug patients on stretchers and in wheelchairs. These duties can be stressful, as can dealing with injured people. There is potential exposure to anesthetic gases, hazardous chemicals, blood and body fluids, sharps, and cleaning solutions. The employee frequently is required to move all extremities within full range of motion as well as stoop and bend at 90 degrees. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. This is a full-time position. Workdays are Monday through Friday. This position may require long hours.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Peachtree Orthopedics is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
