RN-Surgery

Qualified candidates are eligible for a $10,000 Forgivable Loan. (Similar to a sign-on bonus.)

Provides direct patient care to patients of all ages, pediatric through geriatric populations. Address the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care related to the surgical

environment. Communicates with the surgeon and anesthesia provider as needed about the patient’s condition. Assists with the maintenance of surgical equipment and inventory. Participates in performance improvement activities. Assess operating room for equipment functioning and readiness, obtains supplies for individual cases and ensures appropriate needs of surgical operating team are met. Monitors, positions and assists during patient procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Provides patient care activities directed toward the perioperative patients comfort and personal needs
2. Approaches patients, families and visitors in a professional manner
3. Appropriately documents patient condition, including results of any interventions.
4. Gives patient explanations and verbal reassurances as needed.
5. Adapts nursing procedures to meet the needs for treatment of the individual patient.
6. Identifies physical symptoms and changes and takes appropriate actions in a timely manner.
7. Demonstrates ability to assess cardiorespiratory systems for changes and is able to treat appropriately.
8. Observes behavioral and physiologic changes due to medications, takes appropriate actions and documents.
9. Carries out established techniques for safe administration of medications and parenteral fluids according to policy.
10. Coordinates and supervises patient care; provides patient and family with teaching/education as necessary.
11. Protects patient sensitivities and right to privacy
12. Maintains patient confidentiality by following all HIPAA policies and procedures.
13. Ensures preoperative checklist is complete (H&P on chart, consents signed, test results present, etc.) before patient is taken to surgery suite.
14. Assessment (and reassessment) of the patient is clearly and concisely communicated in charting.
15. Carries out surgical site identification and Time Out protocols.
16. Shows competence in starting IV’s effectively.
17. Uses teach back method for discharge instructions.
18. Give’s thorough report of patient information and condition prior to transfer of patient care.
19. Checks all supplies for expiration dates.
20. Participates in completion of daily assignments.
21. Completes charging as appropriate in a timely manner.
22. Documents thoroughly and concisely.
23. Serves as a patient advocate at all times.
24. Acts as a resource person regarding patient care, specialty area, orientation, and teaching of the staff.
25. Participates in staff meetings
26. Attends all mandatory inservices / education within HCHC.
27. Completes all competencies as required.
28. Follows all safety protocols for patients and employees.
29. Reports defective equipment and other safety hazards as appropriate.
30. Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationships with co-workers.
31. Utilizes initiative, strives to maintain steady level of productivity, self-motivates, manages time and activity.
32. Acts as a role model to all staff, displaying exemplary behavior and attitude at all times while at work or at HCHC functions.
33. Set the example of professionalism of HCHC and nursing on and off the unit by serving as a professional role model in appearance, communication, and ethical behavior.
34. Establish strong working relationships with the patient care providers, including patient rounding.
35. Assists and supports unit budget.
36. Assists and supports effective communication on the unit.
37. Assists and supports unit and organizational quality initiatives.
38. Identifies and performs service recovery as needed.
39. Complies with all relevant nursing policies, procedures and standards.
40. Demonstrates flexibility with staffing needs.
41. Self-directs personal and learning needs on an ongoing basis. Seeks learning opportunities to meet the identified needs through formal and informal means and keeps educational records current.
42. Evaluates effectiveness of educational programs; changes to meet personal learning needs.
43. Supports the philosophy, goals, and objectives of the Nursing Division.
44. Strives for quality in patient care and, as necessary, challenges and/or corrects errors of peers to ensure patient safety and well-being.
45. Participates in and supports research programs and activities and performance improvement activities. Also, participates in nursing councils and other activities, which promote the growth and development of nursing and/or patient care.
46. Willingness to cross-train to other HCHC departments.
47. Successful completion of skills checklist within 45 days of hire, as applicable.
48. Takes accountability to schedule and attend required education as appropriate.
49. Acquires required CEU’s to maintain licensure and/or certification.
50. Assists with maintenance of equipment assigned to patient care and reports problems and orders service as needed.
51. Complies with the Corporate Compliance Policy and all laws, regulations, and Standards of Conduct relating to the position and agrees to report any suspected violations of law or Standards of Conduct.
52. Complies with all applicable state and federal regulations.
53. Other duties as assigned.For circulating RNs:
54. Preps patients correctly according to protocols and physicians preferences.
55. Maintains surgical asepsis during all procedures.
56. Demonstrates competence in preparing and cleaning of OR suites before and between cases according to policy.
57. Demonstrates ability to prepare rooms for surgery and open sterile supplies using aseptic technique.
58. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of locations, care and operation of all surgical equipment.
59. Accurately records, handles and labels specimens.
60. Demonstrates accountability for all sponges, needles and instruments during and after the procedure and documents accordingly and communicates with surgeon, participates in surgical counts.
61. Communicates with the anesthesia provider, surgeon and scrub personnel throughout the procedure regarding patient condition, communicates any intraoperative test results, and adjusts plan of care accordingly.
62. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of instrument processing, sterilization and biological monitoring. Actively participates in instrument processing, per schedule demands.
63. Is able to perform all duties of circulating nurse.
64. Maintains supplies in OR rooms and supply areas according to PAR levels. Orders and restocks daily.
65. Pulls needed supplies and instrumentation for procedures according to written physician preference cards.
66. Assists with maintenance of physician preference cards as needed, communicates changes to others appropriately.
67. Demonstrates ability to problem solve in relation to the surgical procedure being performed.
68. Demonstrates ability to multitask
69. Understands and applies basic knowledge of the sterilization process.
70. Other duties as individually assigned.

 ABILITIES

1. Strong communication skills.
2. Must be able to communicate effectively with patients and staff and visitors
3. Maintain good patient, public, and physician relations.
4. Must be able to assess situations and adapt to changing schedules.
5. Strong organizational skills
6. Strong attention to detail
7. Maintain positive attitude.
8. Self-accountability

• EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Graduate of an accredited nursing program preferred
2. Minimum one year hospital experience as an RN preferred
3. Previous preoperative experience preferred

• ANNUAL REQUIREMENTS, LICENSURE AND CERTIFICATION

1. Current state licensure by Iowa Board of Nursing in good standing
2. BLS, ACLS and PALS certification-preferred within 1 year of hire.
3. Facility required training, including annual competencies in perioperative care.

• MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT

1. Patient care equipment: wheelchairs, carts, recliners, transfer devices.
2. Patient monitors, sphygmomanometers, glucose monitors.
3. Computers, word processing, data entry.