RN SURGERY STAFF NURSE

Position Title: RN Staff Nurse Surgery 
Department:  Surgical Services
Supervisor Title: Surgical Services Manager

Position Summary: Provides direct patient care to pediatric through geriatric patient populations. Addresses the psychosocial, physical, and general aspects of care related to the surgical environment. Assists with the maintenance of Pre-Op, OR and PACU equipment and inventory, collaborating with team members to ensure rooms, beds and instruments will be ready for next use. Participates in performance improvement activities. Responsible for monitoring patients’ physiological status in the immediate preoperative and postoperative environment. When functioning as the OR Circulator, monitors the procedure and assists in any capacity as called upon by the surgeon or other surgical staff. Communicates with surgeon and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) continuously, and as needed, about patient conditions; receives direction for patient management. Intercedes to maintain optimum homeostasis. Follows infection prevention cleaning standards when prepping rooms for next use. Follows established departmental policies and procedures, objectives, quality assurance program, safety, and environmental standards. Performs other duties as assigned.

Principal Functions and Responsibilities:
A. Preoperative:
Reviewing the patient chart by becoming familiar with order including but not limited to lab orders and results, radiology orders and results, H&P’s and updates, and consents.
Acting as patient advocate throughout preoperative stay.
Follows all universal precautions and blood borne pathogen protocols as outlined by hospital policy.
Assuring needed supplies and equipment are available as needed for patient care.
Collaboration with perioperative team, CRNA, and surgeon for continuum of patient care and discharge.
Documenting patient assessment and nursing care plan.
Giving a patient report for transfer of care that includes assessment, safety issues including allergies, alerts (falls, isolation, history) on the perioperative patient record.
Administering prescribed medications in accordance with approved methods and techniques. 
Accurately labeling all medication.
Maintain awareness of patient’s safety needs at all times.
Continuously maintaining focus on patient’s condition during Perioperative phases.
B. Intraoperative:
Ensures that the surgical room is sterile and safe for the patient.
Works side by side with scrub techs to maintain sterility in the operating room.
Prepares the patient for the procedure and handles the preparation for the operating room before the surgery takes place.
Must have a strong attention to detail and physical stamina to handle long, arduous work hours.
Assesses the patient’s condition before a surgical procedure.
Assesses the needs of the patient during the procedure, to ensure the best outcome.
Works with a physician to develop the care plan for the patient during the surgery.
Continues to evaluate the patient’s condition during the procedure and makes changes to the care plan as necessary.
Ensures that the sterile field is not compromised during the procedure.
Keeps the surgical area clean and organized for the scrub nurse and the physician.
Removes instruments and sponges as they are used during the procedure.
C. Postoperative:
Demonstrates knowledge of preoperative factors that alter immediate postoperative phase.
Demonstrates knowledge of airway management and procedures and the ability to use advanced airway equipment.
Demonstrates ability to assess cardio-respiratory systems for changes and provides appropriate treatment.
Demonstrates ability to provide specific care to postoperative pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Caries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments and special procedures.
Carries out established techniques for safe administration of medications and parenteral fluids, according to facility policies and procedures.
Coordinates patient care; gives explanations and teaching to patient/family, as necessary.
Communicates effectively and thoroughly the patient’s condition upon transfer from PACU to the receiving patient care unit Registered Nurse, as applicable.
Utilizes initiative, strives to maintain steady level of productivity and self-motivation. 
Organizes and manages activities reflecting due consideration for the needs of the department and staff.