Nurse Sedation

Position Summary

The Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing safe, high-quality patient care before, during, and after oral surgical procedures involving IV sedation. This role works closely with the oral surgeon and clinical team to ensure patient safety, maintain appropriate monitoring throughout sedation and recovery, and provide a positive patient experience. The RN must demonstrate strong clinical judgment, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to respond promptly to changes in a patient's condition.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Preoperative Patient Care

• Review patient medical histories, current medications, allergies, and relevant health information before procedures.
• Assess and document baseline vital signs and other required preoperative information.
• Verify completion of required medical clearances, preoperative assessments, and consent documentation.
• Confirm compliance with preoperative instructions, including fasting requirements, as directed by the treating provider.
• Establish IV access and prepare appropriate monitoring equipment and supplies.
• Ensure the treatment area is properly prepared for sedation and surgical procedures.

IV Sedation and Intraoperative Monitoring

• Assist the oral surgeon with IV sedation and oral surgical procedures within the RN's scope of practice, applicable regulations, and office protocols.
• Monitor and document vital signs, oxygen saturation, cardiac rhythm when indicated, respiratory status, and level of consciousness as required.
• Maintain continuous observation of the patient and promptly communicate changes in clinical status to the treating provider.
• Assist with airway management, emergency response, and resuscitation measures within the nurse's training and authorized responsibilities.
• Ensure emergency equipment, oxygen delivery systems, suction, and required emergency medications are available and ready for use.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of patient assessments, medications administered, monitoring, and patient responses in accordance with authorized orders and office policies.
• Follow infection prevention, aseptic technique, and medication safety procedures.

Postoperative Care and Recovery

• Monitor patients throughout the recovery period until established discharge criteria are met.
• Assess vital signs, level of consciousness, pain, nausea, bleeding, and other potential postoperative complications.
• Recognize and promptly respond to adverse reactions or complications associated with sedation and surgery.
• Provide postoperative instructions to patients and caregivers in coordination with the surgeon and clinical team.
• Verify that discharge requirements are satisfied and that the patient leaves with a responsible adult when required.
• Document recovery assessments, patient status, and discharge readiness.

Clinical Operations and Team Collaboration

• Collaborate with the oral surgeon, dental assistants, treatment coordinators, and practice manager to support efficient daily operations.
• Maintain adequate supplies of IV fluids, monitoring equipment, emergency medications, and other clinical materials.
• Inspect and help maintain emergency equipment and medication supplies according to office policy and applicable requirements.
• Maintain accurate patient records and protect confidential patient health information in accordance with HIPAA.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, emergency preparedness exercises, and continuing education.
• Follow applicable infection control standards, OSHA requirements, state nursing regulations, and office policies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe clinical environment.
• Perform other duties related to patient care and clinical operations as assigned within the nurse's scope of practice.

Qualifications

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Current BLS certification.
• ACLS certification, when required by applicable regulations, credentialing, or office protocols.
• Experience in IV sedation, perioperative nursing, ambulatory surgery, recovery, or oral and maxillofacial surgery preferred.
• Knowledge of patient monitoring, medication safety, airway management, and emergency response.
• Strong organizational, communication, documentation, and critical-thinking skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced dental or surgical setting.
• Ability to recognize changes in patient condition and respond appropriately.

Core Competencies

• Patient safety and clinical judgment
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Compassionate, patient-centered care
• Effective communication and teamwork
• Accountability and professionalism
• Adaptability and problem-solving
• Commitment to infection prevention and continuous learning

Performance Expectations

• Consistently follows established sedation monitoring, patient safety, and documentation protocols.
• Completes accurate and timely preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative records.
• Maintains readiness of emergency equipment and clinical supplies.
• Provides clear discharge instructions and supports safe patient recovery.
• Demonstrates professional communication and collaboration with the surgeon and clinical team.
• Complies with applicable licensing, regulatory, and organizational requirements.

Work Environment

This position operates in an outpatient dental and oral surgery setting where IV sedation and surgical procedures are performed. The role requires prolonged periods of standing, close patient observation, and the ability to respond promptly to clinical emergencies.

Scope of Practice Statement: All nursing duties must be performed within the RN's authorized scope of practice, applicable state and federal laws, provider orders, credentialing requirements, and established office protocols. The RN's responsibilities during sedation must be consistent with applicable dental anesthesia regulations and the treating provider's authorized delegation.