Registered Nurse Circulator

Circulating Nurse

To act as patient advocate, providing continuity of care designed to meet individual patient needs through collaboration with other members of the health care team. Supports the philosophy, objectives and goals. The Circulating Nurse will assess the perioperative needs of individual patients including but not limited to adult, pediatric, neonatal and adolescent patients.

Reports To: OR Manager

Classification: Non-Exempt

Licensure as a Registered Nurse. Current PALS and ACLS certification

Category I exposure to bloodborne pathogens, frequent exposure to chemical hazards and may encounter radiation hazards.

1. Pre-procedure assessment is performed that includes:

Assess level of consciousness and color and integrity of skin.

Identify patient and introduce self to patient.

Determine a plan of care based on individual needs.

Necessary patient teaching will be done at this time.

In addition: checks chart, confirm consent, history and physical, laboratory results, allergies and confirms operative site.

Validates correct position for procedure and positions patient for safe functional alignment, exposure of surgical site and to provide physical support.

Brings patient to Operating Room suite and assists patient to the operating bed after braking of gurney assuring patient and staff safety.

Decision making concerning equipment and/or instrumentation sterilization.

Prepares room, equipment and supplies as needed for procedure assuring all needed supplies and equipment available prior to start of procedure.

Bio hazardous waste disposal per institutional policy.

Housekeeping duties per OR housekeeping policies.

Complies with hospital practice standards regarding competent performance duties.

Performs duties of waived and specific non-waived laboratory testing to include pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic phases of testing. This includes specimen collection and processing, instrument operating and quality controls, evaluation and documentation of test results and notification of physician of any critical results.

Adheres to strictest confidentiality in dealing with patients, families, hospital personnel, and the public.

Creates a safe environment in which surgery may take place.

Demonstrates knowledge of Instrument Processing from decontamination to storage of sterile packages utilizing Manufacturer's instructions for use.

Adheres strictly to facility's policy regarding Immediate Use Sterilization.

Uses medical equipment in a safe manner removing all equipment when identified as in need of repair.

Helps provide cost effective patient care.

Implements principles of medical and surgical asepsis in accordance with recognized national standards and hospital specific policies and procedures.

Performs sponge, instrument, and needle counts according to count policy.

Supports other hospital personnel in the performance of their duties.

Prepares room, equipment and supplies needed for procedure, including anesthesia supplies.

Demonstrates cooperative work attitude towards and with coworkers, employees, management, patients, visitors and physicians.

Maintains a safe work environment in compliance with OSHA guidelines and infection control standards.

Utilizes surgeon preference card to select packs, supplies and instruments

Opens sterile packs and supplies, using Surgeon's preference card for specific requests.

Maintains proper sterile technique when gowning and gloving surgeon and draping patient.

Handles specimen per established policy assuring chain of custody log completed.

Puts unused sterile supplies and instruments away at the end of the day.

Restocks operating rooms to established PAR levels.

Adheres to attendance, punctuality, meal and break time period policies.

Completes work in an acceptable time frame and in an independent manner.

Carries out assigned duties in an effective, productive, and efficient manner.

Willingness to adjust personal schedule periodically as workload fluctuates and as department needs require.

Attends 100% of department meetings or documents review of materials presented.

Functions as a team member following the rules of engagement of the department and hospital.

Follows hospital and departmental safety policies and procedures.

Informs front desk of progress and Post Anesthesia Care Unit, other facility unit and/or front desk prior to transfer.

Assists anesthesia provider as needed with monitor leads, blood pressure cuff and oximeter placement and remain at patient's side during induction and positioning.

Documents information required on Operating Room Record.

Follows appropriate Pre‑Op/Admitting policies and procedures.

Comply with facility Standards of Behavior and complete all required education assignments within the designated timeline.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the employee is frequently required to sit, converse, and listen; use hands to touch, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; and to reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

The employee must be able to lift and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis and be able to push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis.

The employee must be able to stand and/or walk at least five hours per day.