RN (Surgery)

The Registered Nurse is responsible to provide nursing care and services in a manner consistent with the hospital’s mission, vision, and ICARE values.  In this role, the Registered Nurse is responsible and accountable for the delivery of safe, effective, direct and indirect, patient-family centered care through the continuum of perioperative care to include outpatient surgery unit; preoperative unit; operating room; post-anesthesia care unit; sterile processing department; and anesthesia services.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

Preoperative

Prepares patient care area adequately before case and ensures availability of necessary equipment and supplies.

Conducts complete patient assessment and evaluation of each patient prior to surgery or treatment, which includes review of patient history and diagnostic tests, physical, and psychological assessment.

Consistently reviews charts for completeness, in accordance with clinical protocols, prior to surgery (i.e. consents, diagnostic studies, assessments, home medications list, etc.)

Initiates intravenous therapy as prescribed, utilizing aseptic technique utilizing appropriate IV start kit, catheter and fluid. Ensures that medication is labeled appropriately.

Administers pre-operative medications as prescribed and utilizes safety medication practices. Monitors patient until transferred to OR.

Monitors patient if IV sedation given in pre-op setting to assure patient maintains airway and vital signs are stable; administers oxygen and provides continuous monitoring and support as needed.

Postoperative

Prepares patient care area adequately and ensures availability of necessary equipment and supplies.

Demonstrates proper airway management techniques (oral airway, extubation, pulse oximetry monitoring, O2 administration, etc.)

Monitors and maintains proper intravenous intake and output; checks dressings and/or operative site and reports abnormalities to the surgeon.

Demonstrates thorough understanding of medications utilized intra and poster operatively and recognizes the need for use of reversal drugs, when necessary; ensures patient meets all discharge criteria prior to discharge.

Collaborate and communicate with patients, providers, and staff as they relate to patient assessment, treatment, satisfaction, outcomes, quality, and education; coordinate patient and/or provider schedules as appropriate.  

Develops, monitors, and adapts individualized treatment plans based on recognized treatment protocols and current standards of practice. Works in collaboration with the surgical care team and other caregivers to ensure all patients receive the appropriate level of care.
 

Serves as a resource and role model demonstrating professional skills and abilities. Utilizes knowledge base and nursing skills to maintain or exceed performance expectations.

Monitor and evaluate processes and workflows; provides recommendations to optimize performance/outcomes; works with surgical team and hospital leadership to implement recommended strategies.

Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements for all surgical services and evidence-based practices.  Accurately enters information into the electronic medical record (EMR) in a timely manner. 

Ensure all established policies, procedures, standards of practice, and conduct guidelines are followed in accordance with all applicable rules, regulations, and hospital policy.

Ensure all supplies, materials, and equipment inventories are maintained at appropriate levels to meet the demands of patient care, safety, utilization, and financial goals.

Performs other duties as assigned; performs work in other areas or departments as assigned