JOB SUMMARY: The staff nurse of the operating room is a registered professional nurse who is responsible for direct and indirect total nursing care of the surgical patient assigned to him/her during a given period of time

PERFORMANCE DIMENSIONS AND TASKS

Essential Function

1. Coordinates the nursing care of the patient during perioperativea. Responsible for the safety of the patient while in the operating rooms.b. Assists with the supervision of non-professional personnel in the areac. Participates as team leader or member in planning and implementing the nursing care for each assigned patient.d. Utilizes a body of nursing knowledge and discriminative judgment while giving direct or indirect patient care.e. Visits patients pre-operatively to alleviate fear and evaluate possible nursing care problems.f. Directs and assists in carrying out safe aseptic technique and procedures as adopted by the department aided by his/her knowledge of the basic sciences.

2. Performs the duties of the circulating nursea. Check room for needed supplies and prepares the room for specific patient and procedureb. Brings patient to room and assumes responsibility for his/her safety and well being.c. Responsible for OR records, charges and patient’s chart.d. Knows and assists with proper safe positioning of the patient.e. Responsible for the sponge, needle count and instruments.f. Properly identifies labels and cares for specimens as per policy/procedure.g. Obtains and records all medications placed on the sterile table during surgery.h. Secures emergency equipment and supplies as neededi. Controls the general “tone” of the operating room.j. Assists with room cleanup following procedures.k. Monitors for breaks in sterile and aseptic technique.l. Responsible for all phases of “TIME OUT”

3. When appropriate, performs the duties of the scrub nursea. Scrubs, gown and gloves.b. Sets up operating room with all necessary equipment and packs.c. Arranges instruments according to routine for given procedures.d. Works as a member of the surgical team effectively during procedures.• Knows all basic set ups• Handles instruments correctly and check that they are in perfect condition.• Knows needles and suture materials.• Reviews physician’s individual preference cards and helps keep them updated.• Knows how to change gown and glove during case and how to put on a sleeve.• Careful handling of specimense. Uses instrument washerf. Knows and assists with table and room cleanup following procedure.

4. Assists in control and maintenance of drugs, supplies and equipment used during cases.a. Records used items in proper place and methodb. Reports and records any discrepancy in items.c. Supervises care, handling, maintenance, storage and ordering of supplies and equipment.

5. Maintains a sufficient amount of supplies on the surgery unit.a. Checks unit supplies to maintain sufficient supplies on the surgery unit.b. Rotates supplies following department’s established procedure.c. Rotates and checks sterility expiration dates and condition of non-disposal instruments and instrument trays.d. Following departmental schedule, checks inventory and replenishes items as needed.

6. Processes supplies by cleaning packaging, sterilizing and storing in accordance with:a. Cleans, sterilizes and assembles equipment, supplies and instruments following established departmental procedure.b. Autoclaves all equipment/supplies using established guidelines.c. Inspects equipment to ensure integrity and safety. Follows through on repairs as needed.d. Keeps accurate records regarding autoclave, sterility date, pressures, and temperatures.

7. Understands safe use of equipment used in Sterile Processing.a. Demonstrates safe use of all equipment used in department; autoclave, cold sterilization, etc.b. Understands all aspects of aseptic technique.c. Demonstrates ability to prepare, assemble and package equipment and supplies using aseptic technique.d. Rotates sterile supplies; removes and treats outdated supplies.e. Stores sterile equipment on assigned shelves as per department policy.

8. Understands Infection Control guideline for sterile processing.a. Follows established policies and procedures of Infection Control Committee when handling infectious waste.b. Surveillance reports generated by Infection Control Committee reflect acceptable sterility levels for all equipment/supplies.c. Follows recommended infection control policies and procedures during working hours; washes hands as required, uses aseptic technique when preparing sterile item

9. Records changes in tray content or inventory supplies.a. Notifies appropriate staff of changes in tray content or inventory supplies.b. Updates tray description files; changes file location sheets and control sheets as needed

10. Assists in administrative duties as directed.a. Helps with maintenance of records and filing of OR procedures and policiesb. Assists in establishment and maintenance of procedures, policies and standards.c. Assists in scheduling and assignment of operative schedules and personnel.d. Acts as charge nurse in the absence of TCC

11. Assists in supervision of personnel and department to provide optimum assurance of a safe environment.a. Checks rooms, material, equipment for proper care and handling.b. Assures clean and safe environment through continued alertness to safety and explosive hazardous and aseptic techniques.c. Coordinates with supply department to assist in maintenance of high quality and standards of material and all suppliesd. Assists in control of traffic and personnel to ensure proper control of infection and asepsis.

12. Assists in operating room staff development and education.a. Assists in orientation of new personnel.b. Assists others in establishment, direction, maintenance and quality of in-service programs to provide comprehensive educational advancement of all.c. Provides education of others in the specialty under supervision and direction.d. Assists in formulation and interpretation of procedures, standards, techniques and education of personnel.

13. Takes call for emergencies and available for additional duty as needed.

14. .Maintains interpersonal relations/communications.a. Listens to and respects the ideas, opinions and feelings of others.b. Uses communication (interpersonal) strategies with individual patients and staff that result in:• Achievement of intended outcomes• Others expressed perception of acceptance/satisfactionc. Gives feedback to other staff in regard to behavior that is detrimental to:• Achievement of patient care objectives• Achievement of nursing unit and organizational objectives. Suggests options for achieving change in behavior when needed.

15. Gathers, disseminates and communicates pertinent information.a. Completes clinical assignments in a timely fashion including maintenance of equipment and supplies necessary for provision of patient care through next shift.• Medication stock• Medical/Surgical supplies• Maintains safe, therapeutic, physical environment.b. Completes non-clinical assignments, tasks, and projects within a pre-established agreed upon time frame.c. Prioritizes own workload relative to patient care.d. Attends and participates in staff meetings.e. Obtains information presented in staff meetings.f. Participates in nursing unit goal setting.g. Attends mandatory in-service programs.h. Participates in committee work as requested.

16. Maintains professional responsibilities to enhance personal growtha. Understands and functions within the scope of the California nurse Practice Act.b. Completes Orientation Checklists as assigned by the end of the probationary periodc. Keeps all licenses and certificates current.d. Plans for personal change and growth based on evaluation and feedback.e. Participates in setting measurable goals for performancef. Acquires knowledge or experience to meet goals.17. Performs other duties as assigned.a. Performs other duties within capabilities as assigned by Manager.