CHARGE NURSE

Job Summary:  Supervises daily nurse duties, and surgery flow of the Little Rock PDSC. Performs surgical RN duties administering medications and tests, monitoring patient throughout surgery as directed by protocol as prescribed by physician,  Also may assist in Clinic as necessary with patient medical needs.   Builds rapport and cooperative relationship with doctors, team members, and patients.

Essential Functions:

• Closely monitors surgical case flow and daily staffing issues.  Works closely with the Director of Nursing to resolve staffing and patient issues.

• Works closely with the Director of Nursing to ensure pre-operative, Operating Room and post-op services are in accordance with written policies and in compliance with various regulatory and accrediting agencies.

• Complete surgery recap each surgery day and monthly after verification.

• Completes operative reports.

• Assigns team to rotate shared duties such as nurse calls, preparing new charts, and auditing charts for accuracy.

• On surgery days will be assigned in the OR to either Post-Op or Pre-Op duties to include:

• Prepare operating room.

• Accurately complete all required documentation before and after surgery in a timely manner.   

• Perform pre-op identification of patient and confirmation of procedure scheduled.

• Must follow the physician’s directions, comply with all surgical protocol, and follow all hygiene guidelines to ensure the safety of the patient. 

• Prep and assist patient before surgery and assist patient after surgery. Administer and monitor patient medications, monitor patient vitals.

• Assist OR staff and physician with equipment, supplies, and gowning.

• Dispose of biohazards in the appropriate manner.

• Maintain an adequate level of supplies in the surgery rooms at all times.

• Review post-op instructions with patient and family. Ensure that discharge papers are signed and prescribed RX is complete and signed by physician.

• Ensure that all equipment, medications and instruments are properly cleaned, returned and secured to their designated location.

• As assigned answer phone calls from patients and pharmacists regarding medications, problems, Rx refills, enter Return Phone Call form conversations in computer, etc.

• As assigned make post-op phone calls to review post-operative care and confirm follow-up appointment.

• Obtain a thorough medical history on surgical patients as requested, order and schedule patients for tests/procedures as necessary; and requesting clearance as necessary. 

• May assess patients in the clinic with medical needs (HTN, low or high blood sugar, chest pain, etc.) Direct care as outlined by protocol. Perform various testing and injections when necessary.

• Other duties as assigned.

Experience/Skills/Other Requirements

Required:

• Ability to work in a professional, positive and pleasant way with other team members.
• Minimum typing ability of 35 wpm.
• Maintain professional manner in stressful situations.
• Strong verbal communication skills in order to converse clearly and professionally with patients and team members.

                Desired

• Minimum of one year experience in an eye care clinic
• Minimum of two years experience in surgery.
• Minimum of one year experience with electronic health records.

Physical/Mental Demands:

• Regularly stand, walk, and sit.
• Occasional stress from workload or from dealing with upset patients or emergency situations.
• Normal vision and hearing needed.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds.