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The Job description reflects the general details considered necessary to fulfill the essential job functions and shall not be construed as a detailed description of all work requirements inherent in this position. Other specific job-related knowledge and skills may be required.

ASSESS AND DIAGNOSIS OF NURSING CARE NEEDS:

1. The priority of data collection is determined by the patient’s immediate condition of needs.
2. The pertinent assessment data is collected using appropriate assessment techniques (interview, observation, inspection palpation, and review of reports and records.)
3. Validation of patient problems and data collection involves the client significant others, family and health care providers as appropriate.
4. Ensures that assessment data are communicated among the health care team pre-operatively, intra-operatively, and post-operatively and is recorded and revised appropriately.

PRESCRIBES, DELEGATES, SUPERVISES, AND EVALUATES PATIENT CARE:

1. Nursing interventions reflect current nursing practice and are based on scientific knowledge and documented on the record.
2. Delegates responsibility for nursing interventions according to the support staff level of education, orientation experience, and scope of practice as mandated by the Nurse Practice Act.
3. Frequency of reassessments is appropriate to the condition of the patient. Documents patients’ response to the nursing interventions o the surgical records.
4. Gives a concise report to receiving unit providing necessary information relative to patient care and their progress toward resolution of identified problems when the patient is transferred to a unit.
5. Accurately transcribes and implements medical orders and assures that medical orders are communicated to all affected ancillary staff.
6. Demonstrates knowledge of sterile/aseptic techniques.
7. Recognizes cardiac arrhythmias and follows appropriate treatment protocol.
8. Demonstrates knowledge and skills of all patient procedures.

TEACHING:

1. Identifies learning needs of self and other staff and assist in the development and implementation of learning opportunities.
2. Provides “on the spot coaching” to personnel observed in unacceptable behavior. Coaching is done in a constructive manner and in privacy.
3. Determines patient learning needs and provides teaching or makes an appropriate referral. Appropriate teaching methods and supporting materials are used for patient instruction.
4. Documentation in the medical record reflects content and type of instruction and the patients’ response to the instruction.
5. Ensures the incorporation of post-operative care into expected outcomes by pre-operative teaching.

MAINTAINS SAFE AND THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT FOR PATIENT CARE:

1. Accounts for all drugs including schedule II drugs according to hospital policy and procedures.
2. Demonstrates knowledge of location, care and use of all equipment/supplies pertaining to the unit.
3. Seeks to reduce waste in the workplace.
4. Follow procedure for removal of faulty equipment from service.
5. Assist in evaluation of patient care products.
6. Correctly fills out incident reports with assistance.
7. Knows and responds appropriately to all emergency codes.
8. Knows and uses good body mechanics.
9. Properly reports any safety or infection hazards.
10. Checks emergency equipment after each use and at least once a shift.
11. Accountable for ensuring patient safety during the course of performing his or her duties.
12. Pain management

UPHOLDS STANDARDS OF NURSING PRACTICE AND CODE OF ETHICS:

1. Code of Ethics and Standards of Nursing Practice are continually met.
2. Performs all nursing procedures according to the established policy and procedure of the Ohio County Hospital nursing department.
3. Meets licensure requirements and maintains CE licensure.
4. Recognizes and supports the patients’ bill of rights and maintains confidentiality in all hospital matters.
5. Adheres to Blood and Body Fluid precautions and knows where to locate personal protective equipment and uses equipment appropriately.
6. Adheres to other infection control policies, to include the exposure control plan and employee health protocols.
7. Follows and upholds hospital wide personnel policies.
8. Committed to Quality Insurance and actively participates in and supports the hospital improvement efforts.
9. Is always available and accessible when on duty or on call.
10. May be requested to be member of QI team.
11. Frequently accesses email to stay up to date on information within the organization and provides a way of communication between staff members.
12. Performs all procedures in accordance with established policies and procedures of OCH and adheres to legal compliance policies and other regulatory issues

PROFESSIONAL SELF DEVELOPMENT:

1. Attends CE and in-services that pertain to assigned areas and are mandatory.
2. Attends 80% of staff meetings per year.
3. Maintains clinical skills as evidenced through competency review.
4. Accepts supervision and guidance in a non-defensive manner as needed.

SELECTED ASSISTANT THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT BY SURGEON:

Responsible for holding retractors, cutting suture, suctioning to assure visual acuity of surgical field and assisting surgeon in cautery of bleeders.

• BLS certification or obtains within six months of hire, ACLS certification or obtains within six months of hire, PALS certification or obtains within six months of hire
• High school diploma or equivalency and post high school education consisting of associate, bachelors, masters or doctorate degrees in nursing.
• Experience in surgical services care is preferred but not required
• Must posses basic computer skills, effective communication skills and decision making abilities