Registered Nurse

The Registered Nurse is a professional who provides highly skilled nursing care for the immediate pre-operative and post-operative patients. They help prepare patients for procedures and assist with routine recovery care after initial treatment. This nurse usually works with several patients at once and administers care according to a schedule, upholding medical routines and procedures. Coordinates intra-operative care and is indirectly responsible through coordination and information sharing.

Requirements

Patient Care

• Admits patients to pre-op area

• Receives patient from surgery and evaluates their needs

• Reviews the pre-surgical and post-surgical checklist with the patient

• Collect and record vital signs upon admission and post-op

• Verifies medical history and obtains consents with the patient

• Performs Pre-op and post-op assessments

• Inform physicians of patients' needs or if orders need to be addressed

• Reviews post-op instructions and discharge plans

• Starts and stops IVs

• Assists with discharging patients

• Thorough knowledge of and ability to implement principles of aseptic technique

• Understanding or proper positioning techniques, anesthesia and anesthetic agents' effects

• Knowledge of surgical instruments and equipment to include the use, handling and care

• Knowledge of surgical procedures, techniques, symptoms and complications of surgery and anesthesia and consequent nursing interventions

• Knowledge of the actions of pharmaceuticals and anesthetic agents

• Able to recognize emergency situations and assist in corrective actions

• Have a working knowledge of fluid and electrolyte balances

• Trains and instructs new personnel

Supplies and Operations

• Washes hands before assuming a.m. tasks and prior to delivering patient care

• Helps prepare rooms each a.m. by wiping down equipment with germicide. Assists in the preparation and maintenance of the sterile environment

• Ensure common area, rooms and equipment are clean

• Check equipment, making sure they are available and in working order

• Stock or restock areas to assure all equipment and supplies are available

• Assists in the proper preparation of supplies, medication, equipment and instrumentation involved in patient care

• Identify items that need to be re-ordered

• Assists with preparing the room. Make sure they are neat, clean, stocked and ready for the patient

• Participates in QI activities

o Assists in organizing and developing policies & procedures

o Assists with plans for improvement

o Applies principles of Risk Management and Safety

• Introduces self and team members to patients and their families/care provider

• Verifies operative site with pre-op nurse, patient, patient's care provider, and physician

• Obtain consent of operative site and assure the site is accurately marked by physician

• Assists in transporting or escorting patients to OR

• Positions patient safely, properly and comfortably according to his/her specific needs and those required by the procedure


QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing and currently licensed in Nebraska

• Prefer, not required, previous medical-surgical experience

• Must be CPR certified

• Experience with EMR systems

• Strong leadership, organizational, and management skills.

• Solid knowledge of medical procedures, protocols, and terminology

• Ability to handle high-stress situations with professionalism

• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities

• Ability to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize in a fast-paced setting

• Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills

• Compassionate and empathetic nature

• Excellent computer skills