Peri-operative RN

Utilizes the nursing process to provide comprehensive nursing care. Coordinates total patient care in coordination with other health team members, particularly the Center's team. Functions as a patient advocate utilizing the Patient's Bill of Rights. Demonstrates professional growth and development by accepting responsibility and accountability for one's nursing practice.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Competency to assess the physiological health status of the patient.

Competency to assess the psychological health status of the patient/family.

Competency to establish realistic and attainable goals based on nursing diagnosis and to develop a plan of care based on nursing actions to achieve patient goals

Competency to implement nursing actions in transferring the patient according to the plan of care

Competency to provide equipment and supplies based on patient needs

Competency to perform sponge, sharps and instrument counts

Competency to administer drugs and solutions as prescribed.

Competency to physiologically monitor the patient during the peri-operative phase

Competency to monitor and control the environment.

Competency to respect patient's rights.

Competency to perform nursing actions that demonstrate accountability.

Competency to evaluate patients.

Competency to evaluate effectiveness of nursing care.

In keeping with the teamwork philosophy, acts as a resource person to other staff.

Adheres to OSHA guidelines for Universal Precautions for exposure to blood and body fluids, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Participates in the orientation of new employees, students and approved program participants.

Attends Center staff and unit meetings, and educational opportunities.

Demonstrates flexibility in meeting the needs of the Center.

Follows AORN / ASPAN Recommended Practices and Center policy at all times.

Assists visitors, staff and physicians, utilizing good guest relations.

HIPAA Compliance:

• RN/LPN will have full access to medical records.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Current Indiana license.

• Current CPR certification or certification obtained by completion of orientation. ACLS

certification required within one year of hire. PALS certification required for all PACU and

Phase II RN's within one year of hire.

• Minimum of two (2) years nursing experience, preferably in an ambulatory setting.

• Required to successfully complete medication administration exam provided.

• Demonstrated interpersonal communication skills.

• Prior knowledge of surgical instrumentation and peri-operative equipment or ability to learn same.

• Requires prolonged periods of standing and walking.

• Requires ability to perform lifting and transport of patients; and lifting of instrument trays and equipment weighing up to 40 pounds.

• Ability to work with a minimum of supervision and to organize work in order of importance.

• Ability to work effectively in stressful situations and in a variety of peri-operative environments.

• Requires manual dexterity to operate equipment and handle instrumentation, hearing to understand verbal instructions and near vision to distinguish supplies and instrumentation.

Working Conditions:

• Accountability to Executive Director, Clinical Director, and/or Peri-Operative Manager/Charge Nurse.

• Normal peri-operative environment with exposure to chemical odors, cleaning solvents and other hazardous materials. Must follow established procedures to ensure safety.

• Exposure to possible injury when working with electrical equipment and lasers, which require care and following proper safety procedures.