Circulating Nurse

JOB SUMMARY

The Nurse Circulator provides nursing care and service during and after surgery cases. This position will be responsible for positioning the patient, prepping the patient, procedural sedation, and circulating the case. Experienced in surgical procedures in the following specialties: Orthopedics, ENT, General, GI, Gynecology, Ophthalmology, Pain, Plastic, Podiatry, Urology.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Positions patient for safe functional alignment, exposure of surgical site and to provide physical support.
• Assists Anesthesiologist with monitor leads, blood pressure cuff and oximeter placement and remain at patient's side during induction and positioning.
• Prepares patient's operative site, again confirming procedure with Surgeon's history and physical.
• Directs overhead spotlights and connects equipment such as electrocautery, suction and power equipment.
• Performs sponge and needle counts and instrument counts, if required. Obtains any sterile supplies needed throughout procedure.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and related business.
• Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with patients, families, visitors and other employees.
• Participates in Quality Assessment activities as directed for the continuous improvement of patient care.
• Understands and maintains clinical competencies (general, age specific and medication administration)
• Ability to adequately assess, diagnose, plan and implement nursing interventions and evaluate patient condition.
• Compliance with continuing and mandatory education programs.
• Practices nursing within the scope of the Nurse Practice Act and accepts responsibility and accountability for own actions.
• Possesses appropriate communication skills to practice collaborative nursing.
• Ability to respond quickly, physically and mentally when priorities and /or the patient’s condition changes.
• Ensures safe care to patients, adhering to policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications, including time management, supply management, productivity, and accuracy of practice.
• Compliance with the attendance policy
• Performs other duties as required.

REQUIREMENTS

• Current State R.N. license, BLS required, ACLS/PALS
• Two (2) years' experience as a RN Circulator or an Operating Room Nurse.

EDUCATION

• BSN
• MSN preferred.

CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE

• Texas R.N. License
• BLS (American Heart Assoc.) required, ACLS/PALS

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Above average ability to plan and implement patient care, Ability to make sound nursing judgement based on nursing theory.
• Awareness of peri-operative role of nurse.
• Working knowledge and experience in hospital operating room or ambulatory surgery center nursing care.
• Working knowledge of standard operating room machinery, equipment, autoclaves, washer sterilizer, medical gas canisters, and patient monitors.
• Able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds, surgical instrumentation or equipment.