Description

Position Accountabilities:Confirms patient identification, surgical consent completed and surgical site(s) identified prior to beginning of procedure; assures an accurate count or sponges, needles, blades, and instruments; documents on surgery record; prepares specimen(s) for processing and enters data into specimen logbook; supports and preserves the basic rights of the patient; acts as a role model, presenting a professional image, creditability, and integrity, while acting as a resource person to less experienced surgical staff; ensures the standards of care are followed, e.g., safety, positioning, skin integrity, health issues, etc.; acts as a leader, when appropriate, in the growth and development of staff; maintains established department policies and procedures, objectives, quality improvement program, safety environmental and infection control standards; maintains a good relationship with other surgical staff members and departments; assures strict adherence to the principles of aseptic techniques; assesses and evaluates patient care before and during surgical procedures; initiates resolution(s) for identified problems; assists members of the surgical staff and other disciplines as needed; assists in maintain a safe, comfortable and therapeutic environment for patient and staff in accordance with hospital standards; acts as the patient advocate; demonstrates sensitivity to patient’s comfort and privacy, intervening when appropriate or necessary; maintains and fosters effective public relations; observes emotional stability of patients, expresses interest and willingness to help; communicates clearly, courteously, and responsibly to patients and families about their concerns and needs; provides healthcare instruction to patient and/or family members and assists in preparation for continuing care, as necessary, following discharge; assists and helps arrange for ordered diagnostic services; initiates and/or responds to code calls as needed; maintains records and logs; assists in updating surgery and recovery manuals as necessary; assists in the evaluation of surgery and staff upon request; maintains working knowledge of infection control principles and practices; knowledgeable of HIPAA laws and patient rights; participate in quality assurance; able to work with people from diverse ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic and sexual preference backgrounds.Position Summary: The Registered Nurse assesses plans, implements, evaluates, and documents the nursing care for a group of assigned patients in the health care system. The Registered Nurse supports medical care as directed by the medical staff and pursuant to objective, goals and policies of the hospital.

Qualifications

Values Statement:The Circulating Nurse performs duties in a manner that reflects the basic values of love and concern for others.Demonstrates respect for all others; understanding the inherent dignity of all others (patients, visitors, general public, and fellow employees) through behavior that exhibits a willingness to be helpful, courteous, and friendly.He/She will strive to be a faithful, cooperative team member; industrious in giving his/her best effort creatively for the welfare of the patients and the hospital.He/She is just, honest and impartial in all assigned duties.He/She will keep information confidential.

The Circulating Nurse will maintain professional and open communications with co-workers and physicians.They will demonstrate effective communication with patient and family members.They are accountable for cooperating with other personnel to achieve departmental objectives and maintain employee, interdepartmental and public relations.Maintains patient rights and confidentiality and complies with departmental and facility policy and procedures.Demonstrates effective verbal communications skills including phone manners.

The Circulating Nurse is accountable for assisting in maintaining a safe and clean environment in all patient care areas.They will assure operational condition of all emergency and specialized equipment that might be used on their shift by checking the equipment at the beginning of their shift.Institutes cost effective measures including procuring charges and maintain records of nursing and medical treatments rendered.

The Circulating Nurse is responsible to maintain and encourage a positive and professional working relationship with employees, patients and families- responding to their needs with promptness and empathy.They should follow the chain of command, giving or expressing criticism of hospital personnel, procedures or policies in private and in a constructive manner promoting good will to and for the hospital and fellow employees.

The Circulating Nurse may participate on committees and in services at departmental and hospital levels as assigned or volunteer.

The Circulating Nurse is accountable for assuming other duties and other areas of responsibility as requested by the OR Supervisor or Department Director.The Circulating Nurse is accountable to the OR Supervisor and the Chief Nursing Officer.