Operating Room

Perioperative Nurse

Provides direct patient care to neonate through geriatric patient populations. Addresses the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care related to the surgical environment. Communicates with surgeon and anesthesia provider continuously, and as needed concerning patient condition. Assists with the maintenance of surgical equipment and inventory. Participates in performance improvement activities. Assesses operating room for equipment functioning and readiness, obtains supplies for individual cases and ensures all appropriate needs of surgical operating team are met. Continuously acts as patient advocate throughout the perioperative phases of care.

Duties/Responsibilities:

A. Follows and supports the policies, mission, vision and values of Steele Memorial Medical Center (SMMC).

B. Performs patient duties in pre-operative, intra-operative, in PACU and post-operative areas.

1. Adapts nursing procedures to meet the needs for treatment of individual neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.

2. Prepares the patient for surgery in cooperation with the anesthesia provider.

3. Begins and continues discharge planning and education throughout the peri-operative experience.

4. Observes behavioral and physiologic changes and takes appropriate actions and documents

5. Assessment and reassessment of the patient is clearly and concisely communicated in charting. Documentation meets current standards, policies and procedures and is completed within shift.

6. Assess the general needs of patient, review of all systems, and assess cardio-respiratory systems for changes in patients and is able to treat appropriately.

7. Identifies physical symptoms and changes and takes appropriate actions in a timely manner.

8. Ability to adequately assess and reassess pain. Utilizes appropriate pain management techniques. Educates the patient and family regarding pain management.

C. Intra-operative:

1. Ensures Pre-op Checklist is complete (H&P present, informed consent signed, test results present, surgical site identified, etc.) before patient is taken into surgical suite.

2. Is consistently ready and prepared for assigned cases and has patient in the surgical suite at or before the scheduled time.

3. Positions patients safely; pads and protects bony prominences.

4. Preps and drapes patients correctly for all procedures.

5. Carries out medical and surgical asepsis before, during and after all procedures.

6. Demonstrates competence in preparing and cleaning of OR suites before and between cases and after terminal case, based on patient's infection class.

7. Carries out established techniques for safe administration of medications and parenteral fluids, as per hospital policies and procedures

8. Coordinates and supervises patient care; provides patient and family with teaching/education, as necessary.

9. Demonstrates knowledge of anesthetic drugs, actions and side effects

10. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of location, care and operation of all surgical equipment. Directs and assists in maintenance and handling of special equipment and instruments

11. Accurately records, handles and labels specimens; demonstrates care of specimens.

12. Manages surgical counts according to policy. Effectively communicates count status to the surgeon and documents in the appropriate area.

13. Communicates Clinical Laboratory/Imaging Services reports to the surgeon during the procedure.

14. Gives thorough report of patient's intra-operative condition to PACU nurse

15. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of instrument processing, sterilization and biological monitoring. Actively participates in instrument processing if needed.

16. Is able to perform all duties of circulating RN and scrub RN (once trained to scrub).

D. Attends at least 75% of staff meetings annually, reads and returns all staff meeting minutes.

E. Maintains annual competencies.

F. Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications:

Must be able to use a high level of abstract reasoning to assess patient, evaluate interventions, and revise plan of care according to patient outcomes.

Basic computer skills – must be able to navigate Microsoft windows based programs

Graduate from an accredited school of nursing with Associates, Diploma or BSN Degree required.

Active Idaho or compact state RN license required upon hire.

Multiple years surgical experience (Preferred)

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification upon hire.

Advanced Life Support (ACLS) certification within one year of hire.

Summary

Why Join Us in Salmon, Idaho? Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including dental, vision, life & disability coverage and 457 Retirement with a match every pay period. We work hard at maintaining a healthy work-life balance through flexible employee work scheduling. Fun wellness program with potential health deduction savings of up to $1,200 annually and generous Paid Time Off!

Also, because we are surrounded by mountains and rivers and unmatched outdoor recreation. Our hospital is a vital resource for the region, and our OR team plays a critical role in delivering high-quality surgical care. We're not just filling positions- we're building a team that makes a difference every single day. And yes, we've got the best fries in town!