JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education: High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or one to three months related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Minimum Work Experience: Prior experience in a hospital setting and surgical experience is preferred but not required.

Required Licenses / Certifications: BLS, CNA

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Understanding and following of hospital vision statement of high quality, high compassion. Works collaboratively and positively with surgical staff, anesthesia staff, physicians, and staff from other departments. Creation and maintenance of a safe and comfortable environment in which surgery can take place. Escorts patient or arranges for escort to assigned room. Treats all visitors and staff courteously. Provides nursing care and personal care to patients. Responsible for all weekly ordering of paper products and unit supplies. Responsible for stocking and inventory of unit supplies. Keeps rooms neat and clean. Provides oral care as needed. Serves trays, assists with meals as needed. Assists patients to and from the bathroom, keeps incontinent patients clean and dry at all times. Collects specimens and gives enemas. Answers all signal lights promptly. Assists with showering and dressing of patients. Changes linens on beds as necessary. Measures and records vital signs and reports changes to charge nurse as needed. Assists with admitting, transferring, and discharging patients. Observes patients and reports changes in physical and mental condition. Assists physicians when needed. Performs all responsibilities/duties required by the Surgical services division as defined in the scope of service, to ensure that the unique nature of the client is addressed. Attends all required safety training programs and can describe his/her responsibilities related to general safety, department/service safety, and specific job-related hazards. Follows the hospital exposure control plans/bloodborne and airborne pathogens. Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment. Promotes effective working relations and works effectively as part of a department/unit team inter and intradepartmentally to facilitate the department's/unit's ability to meet its goals and objectives. Assumes all other duties and responsibilities as necessary. Verification of patient identity per hospital and JCAHO standards. Will communicate with surgical team management possible conflicts or potential problems. Provides emotional support and comfort measures. Gives information or explanation to patients and their families. Ensures safe transfer/transport of patient to and from the Surgery Department. Correctly collects and accurately labels specimens. Accurately and promptly documents unusual occurrences noted during the perioperative phase. Practices within legal boundaries of nurse practice act and according to hospital policy and procedures. Attends continuing education programs in order to maintain hospital and department standards. Demonstrates the skills and judgment necessary to provide direct care to patients under the direct supervision of licensed personnel. Demonstrates the skills and judgment necessary to provide non-direct patient care/support services to staff under the direction of licensed personnel.