HUMBOLDT GENERAL HOSPITAL

Position Description/Performance Evaluation

CIRCULATING REGISTERED NURSE

Employee: Department: Operating Room

Job Classification: 121 Supervisor: OR Nurse Manager

Position Summary:

As a part of a multidisciplinary team, the circulating nurse prepares patients for surgery, which includes preoperative assessment, identification of potential nursing diagnoses/interventions (physiological, safety, behavioral/spiritual, and/or health systems). Safely transports patient to and from operating room for surgery. Positions the patient appropriately. Using aseptic techniques, prepares the patients skin. Monitors sterile technique. Assists anesthesia as needed and in all ways acts as an advocate for the patient who requires surgical or procedural intervention.

Position Designation:

The position of Circulating Registered Nurse is identified as department safety-sensitive.

Department safety-sensitive positions mean employment positions, which may in the normal course of business:

1. Require the employee to operate the company vehicles or heavy equipment, or

1. Involves duties, which, if performed with inattentiveness, errors in judgment, or diminished coordination, dexterity, or composure, may result in mistakes that could present a real and/or imminent threat to the personal health and safety of the employee, co-worker, and/or the public.

Delegation of Authority:

As the Circulating Registered Nurse, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.

Performance Evaluation:

E = Exceeds standards (requires explanation)

M = Meets standards

B = Below standards (requires explanation and action plan)

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Demonstrates clinical competency in assigned area of responsibility. E M B

2. Supports the hospital medication administration competency programs, and

seeks professional growth through continuing education, and/or advanced

professional certifications (AORN, ASPAN, CGRN, PALS, etc.) E M B

3. Demonstrates appropriate judgment in notifying/communicating with physicians. E M B

4. Admits patients to the department of surgery according to hospital policy. E M B

5. Performs initial preoperative assessments; ensures all consents are properly

signed/witnessed. Monitors patients through the preoperative or other procedure

process. E M B

6. Observes standard precautions when starting IVs or as circumstances warrant. E M B

7. Demonstrates awareness of patient safety issues with regard to transporting,

positioning, or recovery of patients in the department and in accordance with

hospital policy. E M B

8. Positions patients according to procedure and prepares patients skin for

surgery in accordance with physician preference and hospital standards. E M B

9. Assists in maintaining correct count of instruments, sutures, and sponges. E M B

10. Identifies and cares for specimens according to hospital policy. E M B

11. Maintains aseptic technique; actively monitors situations which could lead to

breaches in sterility. E M B

12. Assists anesthesia as necessary for intubations, positioning of patient,

administration of blood or other fluids, or other tasks as required. E M B

13. Performs recovery of patients post operatively from general, regional anesthesia or

intravenous sedation, including airway management, hemodynamic monitoring or

other patient care responsibilities for the PACU in accordance with hospital policy. E M B

14. Demonstrates competence and professionalism in setting up and assisting with

endoscopic procedures such as EGD, Flex-sig, Colonoscopy, or Bronchoscopy. E M B

15. Documents procedures/interventions in accordance with hospital guidelines. E M B

16. Accurately compiles charges associated with procedures or recovery of patients

who receive services from the surgical department. E M B

17. Administers and controls narcotics and medications. Dispenses medication

appropriately according to policy. E M B

18. Willing to accept charge nurse responsibilities as assigned, delegating patient

care as appropriate and making assignments to ensure departmental efficiency. E M B

19. Adheres to departmental, hospital and medical chain of commands. E M B

20. Demonstrates technical competency through annual equipment certification

attending manufacturers sponsored in-services, and additional training as required. E M B

21. Has completed or is actively working toward completion of departmental

performance-based checklist. E M B

22. Has completed or is actively working toward completion of departmental specific

experience record. E M B

23. Is resourceful and calm in emergencies. E M B

24. Supports the department by attending, and constructively contributing to staff

or other meetings as able/necessary. E M B

25. Maintains a clean, organized and safe working environment in both patient care

areas and the nursing station. E M B

26. Participates in stocking, sorting, or inventory of departmental supplies to ensure

appropriate items are readily available for patient care needs. E M B

27. Actively participates in the review of policies and procedures for the surgical

department on an annual basis. E M B

28. Maintains harmonious relationship within the unit and with other departments,

staff, physicians and other support personnel providing support and assistance

to ensure quality patient care. E M B

29. Participates in rotation of stand-by call and responds according to department

policies and procedures. E M B

30. Maintains confidentiality of all patient/staff information. E M B

31. Performs other related duties as assigned or required. E M B

Position Qualifications:

Preferred Minimum Education:

Must possess a high school diploma

Graduation from an accredited school of nursing

Required Licensure/Certification:

Active Nevada Nursing License as a Registered Nurse

Current BLS

ACLS certification within one year of employment

Personal Qualifications:

Able to read, write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.

Prefer previous experience as circulating RN and/or post anesthesia recovery experience.

Ability and willingness to work harmoniously with professional and non-professional personnel.

Able to communicate clearly and tactfully with patients, their families and co-workers.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations for medication administration

Must be a role model of a professional nurse.

Must be able to be on standby call and respond according to department policies and procedures

Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Heavy physical effort (lift/carry/push/pull plus 50 lbs)

Prolonged excessive standing/walking

Manual dexterity and mobility

Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients

Lifts supplies/equipment

Visual acuity with or without correction

Working Conditions: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work typically performed by an employee. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

May be exposed to infections and contagious diseases

Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne disease

Exposed to hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids and wastes

Exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment

Subject to burns and cuts

Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements

Occasional exposure to radiological radiation

Exposure to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries and illness)

Subject to varying and unpredictable situations

Occasionally subject to long irregular hours

Works in clean, air-conditioned, well-lit environment

Requires judgment/action which could have a significant impact on a patients life

Required Protective Equipment:

Gown, medical gloves, face shield as necessary and other equipment as required by OSHA regulations and hospital policy.

FSLA Status: Non-Exempt

Review: I have read and understand the job description for the position of Circulating RN. The expectations of my job have been explained to me and I have had an opportunity to ask questions. I acknowledge that the contents of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by person assigned to this position and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills of the person so classified. Further, I certify that I am capable of meeting the personal/physical/licensure/certification requirements of this position.

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Signature of Employee Date

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Signature of Supervisor Date

Circulating Registered Nurse Rev. 11/2006