Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF JOB

: (other duties may be assigned)

PATIENT CARE:

Actively participate in patient care. Communicate pertinent information and changes in patient conditions to appropriate staff members. Assist with patient care decision making regularly. Use order entry process when indicated. Complete incident reports as necessary

MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION:

Administer medications and coordinate IV therapy in strict accordance with the orders of the physician as necessary and properly document medications administered. Follow the ten rights of medication administration. Reconcile medication list reviewed.

DOCUMENTATION:

Complete documentation according to policy and procedure. Complete an initial assessment to define individual patient needs for the surgical procedure. Review assessment data and identify patient problems pre-operatively. Develop pre-operative patient plan of care. Maintain concise documentation on surgical record and complete the documentation before the end of the procedure. Perform any treatments as needed to prepare the patient for surgery. Ensure patient safety at all times. Ensure complete documentation of patient charts such as labs, EKG, x-rays, history and physical on charts prior to surgery. Evaluate patient response to interventions during the pre-operative period. Provide information to patient about expected outcome of procedures in holding area. Provide for patient psychological needs when needed, i.e., relaxation, stress reduction, music, family presence, etc. Document completely and accurately.

OR COVERAGE:

Provide after-shift coverage for Operating Room. Coordinate activities of the Surgery Department to ensure the patient and equipment are ready for the procedure. Ensure availability for emergency services and report to hospital to within 30 minutes of being called.

EQUIPMENT:

Coordinate staff with the use of equipment. Assist in orientation of new staff members when necessary. Demonstrate proper use of equipment and procedures. Teach staff the use of equipment and document proper use according to policy and procedures. Assist in identifying the educational needs of the unit. Offer pre and post evaluation of the training to measure learning effectiveness. Serve as a resource for other staff.

QUALITY IMPROVEMENT:

Assist with departmental evaluation and improvement of nursing practices. Participate in quality improvement, fire safety, infection control, etc. Support change to improve patient care through suggestions offered by patient response forms. Participate in departmental committees and projects. Accept and respond to constructive criticism by improving performance. Maintain complete compliance with all Hospital policies and procedures. Actively participate in QI projects.

OR PROCEDURES:

Coordinate and supervise activities of the operating room suite. Verify that all equipment and staff is prepared prior to surgical procedure. Observe staff, physicians and ancillary personnel maintain sterile technique. Provide support for pre-anesthetized patient and continue to assess patient needs during the surgical procedure. Maintain cost effectiveness and reduce turnover time between surgical procedures to twenty minutes. Coordinate the operating room schedule as needed. Contact sales representative when equipment is needed for various surgical cases. Relieve personnel as needed. Maintain effective use of operating room time and personnel to ensure the schedule is followed. Communicate with other staff, surgeons, anesthesia, and other departments on a regular basis to assure effective, efficient, and safe surgical procedures.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE:

Must remain up to date, knowledgeable and compliant on all DOH and other applicable regulatory related to your department and area. Patient safety regulations and goals will be followed (i.e., using 2 patient identifiers, reporting critical values, medication reconciliation, etc.). Perform appropriate documentation regarding narcotics administration (i.e. second signature for count and waste, etc.). Follow the regulations regarding restraint and seclusion, sentinel event notification, etc. Attend appropriate educational programs related to regulatory standards, updates and new initiatives.

OTHER DUTIES OF JOB (not all inclusive):

Obtain medical records and x-rays as needed. Participate in performance improvement initiatives and provide continuous feedback to management to improve the quality of the work environment. Adhere to and promote a customer service model of interaction with other departments. Provide relief for recovery room and the Ambulatory Surgical Unit. Order equipment and supplies as necessary. Complete competency reviews annually. Perform other related duties as assigned and required. Follow standard precaution guidelines.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Supervision is received by the Director of Surgical Services.

SUPERVISION ADMINISTERED:

This position typically does not require the supervision of staff.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF JOB:

This position typically requires: The ability to manage multiple projects/tasks, provide close attention to detail, adapt to a constantly changing work environment, handle high pressure for results, meet frequent deadlines, establish own goals, work closely with others, maintain much record keeping/routine paperwork and utilize creativity. The ability to constantly use both hands, use both legs, rapidly use mental/muscular coordinating simultaneously, provide oral communication, hear conversations, use specific visual requirements, use depth perception and color vision is typically required. The ability to frequently stand, walk, carry approximately 25 pounds, push over 50 pounds, pull over 50 pounds, stoop, repeatedly bend, reach, use repetitive finger movements, withstand repetitive twisting or pressure involving wrists or hands is also typically required. The ability to occasionally sit, lift between ten and 65 pounds, climb stairs, balance, and kneel is also typically required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

This position typically requires: Constantly working in confined spaces, exposure to fumes, irritants and toxins, exposure to anesthetic agents, exposure to chemicals, contact with patients and exposure to blood and bodily fluids. Frequently working with hands in water and occasionally working more than forty hours per week. Occasionally working with wetness, working with machinery with moving parts, and working with ladders.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT:

This position typically requires: Eye protection, gloves, body protection, mask.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION/LICENSE/CERTIFICATION:

Minimum Diploma of Nursing required. Valid Registered Nurse license required. ACLS and PALs preferred at time of hire, required within 6 months of hire date.

EXPERIENCE:

Six months to one year related experience and/or training preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from patients. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as proportions, percentages, area, circumference, etc. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and trigonometry. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Effective written and verbal communication skills as well as interpersonal skills. * Knowledge of all state and federal regulatory agencies for hospitals.