Description

Addresses the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care related to the surgical environment. Communicates with surgeon and anesthesiologist continuously and as needed about patient condition. Assists with the maintenance of surgical equipment and inventory. Assesses operating room for equipment functioning and readiness, obtains supplies for individual cases and ensures all appropriate needs of surgical operating team are met. Monitors, positions and assists patient during procedure.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensures Pre-op Checklist is complete (H&P present, informed consent signed, test results present, surgical site identified, etc.) before patient is taken into surgical suite.
• Gives patient explanations and verbal reassurances consistently.
• Is consistently ready and prepared for assigned cases and has patient in the holding area 30 minutes before the scheduled time.
•  Demonstrates knowledge of anesthetic drugs, actions and side effects.
•  Carries out established techniques for safe administration of medications and fluids, as per hospital policies and procedures.
•  Protects patient’s sensitivities and right to privacy.
• Positions patients safely; pads and protects bony prominences.
• Preps and drapes patients correctly for all procedures.
• Carries out medical and surgical asepsis during all procedures.
• Directs and assists in maintenance and handling of special equipment and instruments. 
• Adapts nursing procedures to meet the needs for treatment of individual pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
• Identifies physical symptoms and changes and takes appropriate actions in a timely manner. 
•  Assessment and reassessment of the patient is clearly and concisely communicated in charting. Documentation meets current standards, policies and procedures and is completed within shift. 
• Effectively communicates with the physician in accounting for all sponges, needles and instruments during and after the procedure and documents in the appropriate area.
• Communicates Clinical Laboratory/Imaging Services reports to the surgeon during the procedure.
•  Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationships with co workers for the patient’s benefit.
• Gives thorough report of patient’s intra-operative condition to PACU nurse.
• Is able to open sterile supplies and set up for procedure.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of location, care and operation of all surgical equipment • 
• Accurately records, handles and labels specimens.
• Demonstrates competence in preparing and cleaning of OR suites before and between cases and after terminal case, based on patient’s infection class.
• Performs time-out prior to start of surgical case. 
• Revises the physicians preference cards and communicates changes to appropriate personnel • 
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current Registered Nurse licensure in the State of Texas. 
• Minimum of one (1) year work experience in the operating room.
• Maintains professional growth and development though seminars, workshops, and professional affiliation to keep abreast of the latest trends in the field 
• Completes annual educational requirements
• Maintains and demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and skills necessary to provide age appropriate care to the population served. Able to interpret data about the patient’s status in order to identify each patient’s age specific needs and provide care needed by the patient group