OR RN First Assist

JOB SUMMARY:   

The RN is responsible for the planning, executing, directing, and evaluating direct and indirect nursing care given to the surgical patient.  The RN will assist in meeting the surgical patient’s needs by utilizing the nursing process and ensuring continuity of care during the surgical experience.  Will support the philosophy and goals of OSS Orthopaedic Hospital. 

 QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION:

·         Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

·         Currently licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Pennsylvania and familiar with the Pennsylvania State Nurse Practice Act.

·         RNFA education required.

·         BLS certification.

·         ACLS certification or ability to achieve within one year. 

·         Must have at least (3) years’ experience as an RN. Previous experience in the OR arena required.

·         Able to effectively and efficiently make use of time and resources.

·         Must be able to plan and organize work.

·         Physically and emotionally capable of performing position responsibilities.  Manual dexterity a must.

·         Computer literacy a must

·         Have professional and effective communication skills and be able to promote effective communication at all levels.

·         Assumes responsibility for own personal continuing education and developmental needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Takes on the most difficult of tasks.

·         May help to train newly hired staff.

·         Supervises and directs patient care in an individual operating room.

o   Ensures that proper techniques and practices are used according to accepted standards of practice.

o   Supervises other personnel in the room and directs or assists as necessary.

·         Performs scrub duties as necessary and/or to keep current with skills.

o   Sets up and maintains the surgical field

o   Assists the surgeon by passing instruments during operations.

o   Performs all indicated surgical counts.

o   Anticipates needs of operative team and delivers necessary instruments and supplies quickly and efficiently.

o   Demonstrates knowledge of accurate methods of sterilization and maintains an aseptic controlled environment.   

o   Transports patients and assists with transferring patients from stretcher to table and vice versa.

o   Assists with lifting and positioning patient.

·         Performs all circulating duties with efficiency and speed.

o   Supervises and assists scrub nurse as necessary.

o   Positions patient, prepares operative area, and adjusts table to proper position according to standard policies.

o   Has all supplies and equipment in room and provides to team as necessary.

o   Opens all sterile packs and supplies according to aseptic technique.

o   Assists surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other personnel as needed to ensure good patient care.

o   Maintains count on sponges, needles and instruments to ensure no loss of items according to current policy.

o   Observes patient for changes in condition.

o   Reviews surgeon’s preference cards for desired medications and verifies same with surgeon.

o   Ensures all medications are administered and charted according to established policies and procedures.

o   Identifies and records patient’s response to medication when necessary.

o   Cares for specimens and cultures as directed by policy and procedure.

o   Provides orderly progression of schedule by sending for following patients at proper times and notifying charge personnel of any changes.

o   Accompanies patient to Post-Op and reports to nurse on patient, procedure, and special happenings to ensure continuity of care.

·         Assists in control and maintenance of supplies and equipment.

·         Will participate in on-call rotation as required.

·         Reports unusual occurrences to the manager or designee.

·         Contributes to the efficient and productive operations of the Operating Room.

·         Performs such assisting duties as deemed appropriate by the physician and under his/her direct supervision

 SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

No direct reports.

 LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Must be proficient in the English language, both verbally and written, in order to communicate effectively with patients, co-workers, physicians, vendors, and the general public.

 PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Moderate physical effort when working in patient care environment consisting of standing, walking, pushing, pulling, bending, reaching, and stooping. Moderate sitting and keyboarding along with fine and gross motor skills and manual dexterity to operate keyboard and other equipment. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Must be able to respond quickly and effectively to an emergency.

 The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Climate controlled environment with occasional periods of being outside. Exposed to blood borne pathogens, odorous chemicals and specimens, toxic chemicals, electrical and mechanical hazards, confused or combative patients, bio-contaminated waste, and unpleasant elements. Subject to stressful situations, long or irregular hours.