POSITION SUMMARY:

Responsible for providing nursing care for patients during the intraoperative phase of the perioperative experience based on established clinical nursing practice standards. Performs nursing activities in the Medical where the circulating nurse is the patient's advocate. Answers patient needs by assisting the physician and person responsible for anesthesia care. Collaborates with other professional disciplines to ensure effective and efficient patient care delivery and the achievement of desired patient outcomes. Supports DHR vision and mission. Utilizes knowledge of patient’s age and cultural diversity into the provision of patient care. Contributes to the provision of quality nursing care through performance improvement techniques that demonstrate positive outcomes in patient care.

POSITION EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of accredited school of nursing required
• Current registered nurse’s license in the State of Texas
• Current BLS certification, ACLS certification within six (6) months of hire for general OR.
• PALS, NRP certification within six (6)months of hire for Women’s Hospital employees
• Good written and verbal communication skills required.
• Ability to read, write and speak English required
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely with all levels of nursing, administration, and physicians
• Prefer hospital experience

JOB KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

Experience in the Medical Unit is strongly preferred. Ability to practice nursing as described by the following definition: “The diagnosis and treatment of human responses to actual or potential health alternations.” Ability to utilize the best nursing process in the provision of nursing care including but not limited to administering treatments and medications, interpreting diagnostic tests, formulating a plan of care, collaborating with other health care providers and providing education to patients and/or significant others. The successful candidate will be required to pass competencies for this position.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Promotes the facility mission, vision and values by effectively communicating them to others. Considers mission, vision and values in developing services, standards and practices
• Ensures that care is delivered to each patient in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act of the State of Texas, and ANA Standards of Clinical Nursing Practice.
• Supports the philosophy, goals and objectives of DHR and the department.
• Provides effective and efficient patient care management.
• Demonstrates strong and effective managerial techniques/skills in established lines of authority.
• Maintains professional competence by participating in continuing education and other learning experiences.
• Addresses patient needs during admission to the operating room.
• Ensures that approved Medical Unit procedures are followed to meet the requirements of scheduled procedures.
• Adheres to hospital/unit policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines.
• Responds in a timely manner to meet the needs of the patient and physician.
• Demonstrates ability to adapt to varied age-specific patient populations.
• Supports and promotes excellence in customer/guest relations.
• Supports and promotes the organization’s Infection Control Program.
• Supports and promotes the organization’s Safety Program.
• Supports and promotes the organization’s Risk Management Program.
• Demonstrates maturity and accountability for job performance.

Standard I: Quality of Care

The nurse systematically evaluates the quality and effectiveness of nursing practice.

Standard II: Performance Appraisal

The nurse evaluates his/her own nursing practice in relation to professional practice standards and relevant statues and regulations.

Standard III: Education

The nurse acquires and maintains current knowledge in nursing practice.

Standard IV: Collegiality

The nurse contributes to the professional development of peers, colleagues, and others.

Standard V: Ethics

The nurse’s decisions and actions on behalf of patients are determined in an ethical manner.

Standard VI: Collaboration

The nurse collaborates with the patient, significant other, and health care providers in providing patient care.

Standard VII: Research

The nurse uses research findings in practice.

Standard VIII: Resource Utilization

The nurse considers factors related to safety, effectiveness, and cost in planning and delivering patient care.

Standard IX: Practice Environment

The nurse contributes to the environment of care delivery within the practice settings.

Standard X: Accountability

The nurse is professionally and legally accountable for his/her practice. The professional registered nurse may delegate to and supervise qualified personnel who provide patient care.

LINES OF RESPONSIBILITY: