Registered Nurse - Operating Room (Indiana Ambulatory Surgical Associates) - Casual

Knowledge and Ability

Graduation from a state approved school of professional nursing. Current licensure to practice professional nursing in Pennsylvania. Certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation within time specified after employment and annually to remain employed in this position.

Experience

Minimum of two (2) years surgical experience preferred. Additional experience in medical/surgical nursing and additional "scrub" experience preferred. Comprehensive and current knowledge of nursing theory.

Duties and Functions

Administers nursing care according to the established policies and procedures of the operating room, the general nursing department and Indiana Ambulatory Surgical Associates, INC.

• Properly identifies patient, intended operative procedure/site, surgeon and that procedure is correctly documented on all documentation- informed consent H&P, prior to patient leaving preoperative area.
• Plans, organizes, documents and evaluates nursing care of the operative patient.
• Monitors the sterile environment and implements principles of aseptic technique.
• Understands proper positioning techniques, anesthesia and anesthetic agents' effects, along with a professional knowledge of surgical instruments, use and care.
• Commands knowledge of surgical procedures, techniques and consequent nursing interventions, and the ability to recognize an emergency situation and react to it.
• Checks with surgeon and makes available proper equipment and instruments for procedures.
• Introduces self and team members to patients and their families. Identifies patient while offering a brief explanation of her role. Assists in transporting or escorting patient to the operating room.
• Positions patient safely, properly and comfortable according to his specific needs and those required by the procedure.
• Follows/Performs "Time Out" procedures and final verification of correct patient, procedure/site, as listed in documentation- H&P, Informed Consent.
• Stands by patient during the administration of anesthesia. (Assists) Anesthesia during induction as needed
• Helps to gown all members of the surgical team. Positions and adjusts equipment to include microscopes.
• Maintains a constant vigilance on activities, watching for breaks in aseptic technique or safety practices, while keeping room as orderly and neat as possible.
• Anticipates needs before, during and after the surgical event. Supervises and participates in sponge, needle and instrument counts as applicable.
• Procures unanticipated items needed for members of the sterile team and anesthesia during the surgical procedure.
• Accepts, labels, documents and logs all specimens.
• Assists with surgical dressing.
• Assists in transportation or escort of patient to the post anesthesia area.
• Assists with room clean-up and turnover.

Documentation in EMR is complete and accurate following established policies and procedures of the Indiana Ambulatory Surgical Associates, INC.

Communicates and collaborates effectively with the patient and family, peers and all members of the healthcare team.

Participates in CQI activities.

Maintain optimal nursing practice through planned continuous professional growth.

Ensures a safe and aesthetic environment in accordance with established policies and procedures for the Indiana Ambulatory Surgical Associates, INC.

Performs other responsibilities as needed and requested by the nursing management team.