RN/First Assist, Perioperative/Outreach: 64-72 hrs/pay period

POSITION/JOB SUMMARY:

• Work in collaboration with surgeons and other healthcare professionals to provide direct patient care before, during and after surgical procedures. Function as the surgeon’s assistant during operations and helps ensure safe, effective surgical outcomes.
• Responsible for processing sterile equipment, supplies, and instruments as needed by the hospital. Performs scheduled surgical scrub activities and services as available.

This position is scheduled for day shifts, Monday through Friday, with the option of working either 64 or 72 hours per pay period. There is no formal on-call requirement; however, the employee is expected to make reasonable efforts to be available for occasional emergency surgeries that occur after regular business hours.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains proper stock levels OR and Outreach Clinic.
• Responsible for cleaning and sterilization of all instruments and packs required for Nursing Services, Clinic, Wound Care and Operating Room.
• Responsible for cleaning all work areas not normally cleaned by housekeeping: Operating Room, CSR and all monthly cleaning in areas.
• Responsible for equipment repairs and breakdowns. Works with Perioperative Manager in calling for replacements and/or ordering parts/supplies, as related to CSR and OR.
• Assists with the OR for scheduled and unscheduled procedures. Set up and clean up after each case. Re-sterilizes instruments.
• Surgical Technologist/First Assist assists with the nursing care of patients in the operating room by performing routine & delegated duties under the supervision of the RN & according to the standards of practice & policies of the hospital & the department.
• Demonstrates knowledge & applies principles of aseptic practice & recognizes the necessity for following established procedures and adapting to new situations as they arise.
• Cooperates as a team member in planning and execution in the care plan that is in the best interest of the patient.
• Demonstrates knowledge of instruments and equipment used in the operating room including specialty equipment as it applies to the surgical specialty services being provided at JMHS.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and skills necessary to provide care appropriately to the age of the patients being served. He/she shall be able to interpret data about the patient’s status in order to identify each patient’s age specific needs and provide the care needed by the patient group.
• Addresses and supports cultural practices as long as such practices do not harm others or interfere with the planned course of medical therapy.
• Responsible for all OR/Outreach and procedure rooms linens. Putting all clean linen in proper places, including OR and Physician scrub uniforms.
• Acts as courier for OR, Lab, Nursing, X-ray, as needed and available.
• Meets physical job demands requirements.
• You may be asked to help conduct/work in Outreach clinics or Pre/Post Op or other duties as assigned by the Perioperative Manager
• Assists and maintains schedule for Outreach clinics.
• Responsible for patient charges and help to update the preference cards so that they are consistent with the OR charge master.
• Quality tracking and follow-up phone calls assigned.
• Function within your scope of practice. (If you are a licensed nurse, you will be assigned nursing duties accordingly)
• Function within your scope of practice as a scrub tech/first assist according to AST and AORN guidelines. Assist physicians in OR cases as 1 st scrub or first assist, which ever role is assigned per the Surgery Manager.

INTRAOPERATIVE ROLE OF RNFA:

Responsibilities:

• Selecting instruments, equipment, and supplies appropriate to procedures.
• Preparing sterile field and instruments
• Maintaining integrity/sterility of the surgical field
• Knowledge to anticipate/provide instruments, sutures, and supplies needed by surgeon & assistant
• Implementing procedures that contribute to patient safety, i.e., surgical counts, thermoregulation.
• Proper identification and care of the specimens on the sterile field.
• Proper identification and use of medications as directed by the surgeon.
• Strong knowledge of sterile processing and processing of sterile instruments, including scopes.
• As a first assist, you may be closing skin, placing dressings and other duties within your scope and at the comfort level of the surgeon.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to function independently
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail
• Anticipatory and critical thinking skills
• Good phone etiquette

STANDARD REQUIREMENTS

• Supports the Mission, Vision and Values at Johnson Memorial Health Services.
• Is knowledgeable of patient and resident rights and ensures an atmosphere which allows for the privacy, dignity, and well-being of all patients and residents in a safe, secure environment.
• Supports, cooperates with, and implements specific procedures and programs for:
  • Safety, including universal precautions and safe work practices, established fire/safety/disaster plans, risk management, and security, report and/or correct unsafe working conditions, equipment repair and maintenance needs.
  • Confidentiality of all data, including patient, resident, employee, and operations data.
  • Quality assurance and compliance with all regulatory requirements.
  • Compliance with current law and policy to provide a work environment free from any sort of harassment and all illegal and discriminatory behavior.
• Supports and participates in common teamwork:
  • Cooperates and works together with all co-workers; plan and complete job duties with minimal supervisory direction including appropriate judgment.
  • Uses tactful, appropriate communications in sensitive and emotional situations.
  • Follow up as appropriate with supervisor, co-workers, patients, or residents regarding reported complaints, problems, and/or concerns.
  • Promotes positive public relations with patients, residents, family members and guests.
  • Completes requirements for in-service and annual training, acceptable attendance, uniform dress codes including personal hygiene, and other work duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current, unrestricted RN license in the state of Minnesota.
• Completion of an accredited RN First Assistant (RNFA) program preferred. (We are willing to train applicant in this position)
• Current BLS, ACLS, PALS

  The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

JHMS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment. JHMS will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Department.