Surgery Center Pre/Post-Op RN - 1.0 FTE

Surgery Center RN

The successful Surgery Center RN will be an integral component in facilitating patient flow and throughput while maintaining high levels of quality care which are consistent with recognized national nursing standards, legal requirements and Surgery Center policies and procedures. Duties will encompass the operating room, pre-operative care or post-operative care to include both phase 1 and phase 2 recovery.

Essential Job Functions

Directs all nursing activities relating to the procedures performed. Evaluates and completes assessment of patient needs to provide supportive care before, during and after surgery and maintains complete and accurate records. Recognizes and interprets symptoms indicative of changes in condition of patient. Communicates pertinent information to co-workers and works collaboratively with all members of the health care team to provide optimal care to the patient throughout the patient's experience.

Assists in patient education during all phases of the patient's experience. Ensures informed signed consents are completed prior to administration of sedation.

Prepares all records pertaining to the procedure. Reconciles medication history, reviews and interprets a variety of diagnostic tests (i.e., EKG, O2 oximetry, radiology exams, etc.) and laboratory results accurately to identify any potential contraindications or implications.

Maintains equipment and supplies to include cleaning and disinfection of equipment, operates and troubleshoots specialized equipment and patient monitoring equipment, anticipates and assists with maintaining adequate inventory of supplies and medications. Post procedure, assists with inventory control by proper count of supplies/time used. Directs and assists with the cleaning and restocking of operating rooms at the completion of assignments. Assists in crash cart maintenance and defibrillator checks.

Provides oversight and direction to other Surgery Center technical and ancillary personnel. Assists with orientation and training of new or existing staff members. Takes responsibility for identification of own professional growth and development needs; meets all system/departmental educational requirements. Participates with in-service opportunities and staff meetings.

Maintains competency in all organizational, departmental and outside agency environmental, employee or patient safety standards relevant to job performance. Adheres to national patient safety standards and identifies and anticipates problems and safety issues and initiates appropriate action to minimize or eliminate risks and maximize safety in the Surgery Center.

Incorporates the 14 forces of Magnetism in transforming the work environments and for enhancing quality of nursing care.

Performs other duties as assigned or as needed to meet the needs of the Surgery Center.

Pre Op/Post Op/PAT Lab

Accountable for administration of drugs, IV procedures and other therapeutic and diagnostic measures in a safe and accurate manner. Initiates orders, and follows anesthesia protocol.

Will maintain ACLS

Labels specimen containers in front of the patient and prepares specimens for the laboratory.

Operating Room

Checks assignment for the day noting routine and special equipment/supplies needed for each procedure. Checks OR suite/procedure room for cleanliness and order damp dust rooms prior to usage. Assembles equipment and supplies needed for each procedure; checks equipment to ensure it is properly functioning. Arranges furniture and equipment in such a manner that all pieces are accessible for efficient work by the scrub tech, anesthesia and surgeon. Directs and assists with the cleaning and preparation of the operating/procedure room between cases. Assembles instruments, supplies and equipment for all cases.

Observes sterile techniques in preparing for and assists with surgical procedures. Assists scrub tech by opening sterile packs and delivering necessary packets of materials; operates autoclaves for sterilization of necessary accessory items.

Prepares the operative site by doing a surgical scrub to the operative area according to the surgeon's preferences.

Assists with transfer of patients to the operating/procedure room from pre-op, giving assistance to anesthesia and surgeons and helps transfer patients to recovery following procedures.

Assists scrub techs in dressing members of the operating team. Observes all members of the operating team for sterile practices, reports any breaks immediately and takes steps to correct any break in technique.

Observes progress of the procedure and provides additional instruments, supplies or equipment as necessary. Labels specimen containers and prepares specimens for the laboratory.

Minimum Qualifications

Associate (or Diploma) RNs with less than 5 years of RN experience hired into this position must commit to completing their Bachelor of Nursing degree within 4 years after their hire date. Billings Clinic will help support the cost through financial assistance.

Current Montana license as a Registered Nurse Or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to the above tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered. Employees that require a licensed or certification must be properly licensed/certified and the licensure/certification must be in good standing.