Registered Nurse - Pre-op/Post-Op

Experience

• Two years of nursing experience in a perioperative setting or successful completion of the hospital’s surgery nursing internship program preferred.
• Essential
• Functions /
• RESPONSIBILITIES (but not limited to): Supports the organization's mission, vision, and values. Demonstrates knowledge of the statutes and regulations governing nursing and nursing functions within the legal boundaries of the Registered Nurse Practice Act. Performs a perioperative age-specific assessment on all patients, including pediatric, geriatric, and the general patient population, to establish an individualized perioperative plan of care. Initiates or contributes to the perioperative plan of care for all patients admitted, identifying priorities within the plan and setting realistic and measurable goals, including, but not limited to: identifying where the surgical procedure is performed as to correct site/side/level; appropriate medications, readiness for the surgical procedure, knowledge level of the patient, involving the patient actively in decisions affecting his/her perioperative plan of care and rehabilitation process, communicating with the patient or relevant parties the current status of the patient throughout the continuum of care, etc. Evaluates overall plan of care and monitors patient condition or progress, and identifies any changes in status/condition, is able to revise plan of care as indicated by patient’s condition to ensure patient comfort and safety. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic, and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families. Formulates a teaching plan for patients and families based on the patient's identified learning needs. Provides education regarding medication management, pain management, wound management, nutritional management, and expected response/outcomes to the operative/invasive procedure. Delivers and documents patient’s surgical care accurately/completely/legibly as prescribed by physician/provider considering needs specific to the standard of care for patient’s age and within the scope of practice of the
• Registered
• Nurse, including: taking vitals, surgical procedure, administering therapies and treatment, starting/maintaining/discontinuing IV lines for medication, blood and blood products; observing the patient and recording those observations, etc.; accurately documents all patient charges as well as times, personnel involvement and procedures in the OR record. Performs interventions to maintain the patient’s genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems, as well as fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balances at or above baseline levels. Monitors and maintains the integrity, safety, and efficiency of the sterile field and breaks in sterile techniques throughout the surgical procedure, taking corrective action as needed. Conducts proper patient positioning during the surgical procedure, including immobilization and restraint. Uses sound nursing judgment to identify and communicate changes in the patient’s condition to the lead surgical nurse and/or provider in a timely manner consistent with delivery of quality care. Communicates nursing interventions and responses to care to other members of the health care team. Demonstrates knowledge of medications and their correct administration based on the age of the patient and their clinical condition; administers IV fluids/medications correctly by implementing the 7-rights of safe medication practice (ie, right patient, right medication, right dose, right time, right route, right indication, and right documentation); follows KVH procedures on medication administration to avoid med errors or interactions. Assists the surgeon with holding scopes or instruments as directed by the surgeon within the scope of practice, assists with cast application, and performs care and services requiring technical and manual skills. Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety while protecting the patient from injury caused by extraneous objects and chemical, electrical, mechanical and thermal sources; performs accurate accounting procedures to protect the patient from un-intended retained surgical items; administers medications correctly and safely; performs interventions to protect the patient from surgical site infection; performs interventions to maintain the patient’s wound and tissue perfusion at or above baseline levels; performs interventions to ensure the patient returns to normothermia condition, and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors, and is accountable/responsible for each specific patient assigned. Manages the patient’s specimens, properly identifying and preserving them in accordance with hospital procedures. Evaluates the patient’s progress toward attaining outcomes. Protects the patient’s rights, dignity, and respect. Gives or takes report on patient condition in nurse-to-nurse transfer of patient care at shift change or due to other circumstances. Keeps/maintains the surgeon’s preference cards; keeps an accurate record/accounting of specialty items and supplies. Cleans, inspects, wraps, and sterilizes instruments as needed; may assist with purchasing and restocking supplies, maintaining specialty cart. Consults other departments as appropriate to provide for an interdisciplinary approach to the patient’s needs. Works collaboratively with other nursing/hospital staff, delegating tasks as necessary to other surgical team members. Follows hospital procedure when disposing of biohazardous materials, labeling, and handling of all materials. Performs new nursing techniques or procedures after successful demonstration of competencies. Participates in quality review and performance improvement processes/projects. Comply with all hospital policy and procedures, while upholding the high expectations of KVH. Performs/takes call coverage as required. Attends a minimum of 80% of nursing staffing meetings and 100% of mandatory in-services. Completes initial and annual competencies. Performs other duties as assigned.