Registered Nurse (RN) - Operating Room

Job Description

Job Description

1. Provides nursing care by utilizing the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care in accordance with the RN scope of practice to achieve desired patient outcomes.

• Performs comprehensive nursing assessments in a timely and efficient manner.
• Reviews and implements provider orders, seeking clarification when necessary.
• Identifies changes in patient condition, prioritizes care needs, and initiates appropriate nursing interventions.
• Serves as a patient advocate while promoting compassionate, patient-centered care.
• Evaluates patient progress and readiness for discharge.
• Demonstrates accountability by providing safe, competent, and professional nursing care.
• Administers and manages intravenous therapies and related interventions.

2. Collaborates with physicians and the interdisciplinary healthcare team to coordinate patient care.

• Promotes effective communication among healthcare team members regarding patient status, care plans, and patient satisfaction.
• Works collaboratively with ancillary departments to support quality patient care.
• Provides direction and guidance to patient care support staff as appropriate.
• Demonstrates flexibility and initiative while responding to patient care needs.
• Communicates patient care concerns to the Nurse Manager in a timely manner.
• Assists with patient assignments, surgical scheduling needs, and daily workflow as appropriate.
• Participates in interdisciplinary care planning.
• Provides ongoing education to patients and families before and after procedures.

3. Delivers emergency nursing care within the RN scope of practice when patient conditions require immediate intervention.

• Responds promptly to emergency situations while providing appropriate patient care.
• Prioritizes emergent patient needs and involves additional resources when necessary.
• Provides emergency care appropriate to the patient population served.
• Follows established emergency policies, procedures, and clinical protocols.

4. Maintains accurate and complete clinical documentation.

• Documents patient assessments, interventions, treatments, and responses in accordance with organizational standards.
• Completes all required documentation related to surgical implants, specialized equipment, and applicable procedural charges.

5. Demonstrates effective communication with patients, providers, and members of the healthcare team.

• Communicates patient status, plan of care, and recommendations with appropriate healthcare professionals.
• Utilizes the approved handoff process to ensure continuity of care during patient transitions.
• Recognizes significant changes in patient condition, prioritizes interventions, and promptly communicates concerns to the appropriate provider.

6. Promotes a safe environment for patients and staff by following established safety and infection prevention practices.

• Administers medications, treatments, and procedures safely while adhering to provider orders, nursing policies, patient identification standards, and required preoperative assessments.
• Utilizes proper lifting, transfer, and positioning techniques to reduce the risk of injury to patients and staff.
• Follows infection prevention protocols, including isolation precautions, hand hygiene, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment.
• Adheres to policies regarding narcotic wasting, sharps disposal, and hazardous material handling.

7. Performs operating room responsibilities as assigned.

• Prepares and maintains the operating room to ensure instruments, supplies, and equipment are available, sterile, and ready for surgical procedures.
• Collaborates with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and other surgical team members to promote safe and efficient patient care.
• Assists with patient positioning while ensuring appropriate padding, alignment, and patient safety throughout the procedure.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of surgical equipment, treatments, and departmental policies and procedures.
• Addresses patient and family concerns and provides timely support when appropriate.
• Provides emotional support to patients and communicates with family members throughout the surgical experience as needed.
• Adjusts to changing patient volumes and departmental priorities while maintaining quality standards.
• Demonstrates initiative by completing responsibilities that support the surgical department, even when not specifically assigned.
• Participates in quality improvement activities and maintains compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.

8. Provides Phase I post-anesthesia recovery care as assigned.

• Completes a comprehensive patient assessment upon admission to the recovery area, including evaluation of:
• Vital signs, pulse oximetry, cardiac rhythm, blood pressure, and pain level.
• Respiratory status, including airway patency, breath sounds, oxygen saturation, and artificial airway management when applicable.
• Cardiovascular status, including heart sounds, peripheral pulses, capillary refill, and monitoring for hemodynamic changes.
• Neurological status, including level of consciousness and ability to follow commands.
• Gastrointestinal assessment, as appropriate.
• Extremity sensation, strength, and mobility, when applicable.
• Skin integrity.
• Surgical site, dressings, drains, and wound status.
• Intravenous access, invasive lines, and drainage devices as applicable.
• Administers medications and manages intravenous therapies in accordance with patient needs.
• Communicates patient status and recovery information to the RN assuming Phase II recovery care in accordance with hospital policy.

9. Performs additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.