Registered Nurse

Perioperative NurseProvides direct and indirect care of patients in preoperative preparation area, surgery suites and recovery room. Provides nursing care according to the physician or surgeon's orders complying with hospital policies and procedures and in conformance with recognized nursing techniques and procedures. Helps maintain and update physician preference cards as necessary. Packages and processes instruments and supplies in the central sterile area as directed and as necessary.RequirementsKnowledge & ExperienceSkills-Demonstrates ability to give and follow instructions accuratelyDemonstrates effective interpersonal skills necessary to interact with various levels of health care personnelKnowledge-Hospital administrative and nursing policies and proceduresPerioperative and central sterile proceduresEducation-Graduate of accredited school of nursingCurrent registration as a Registered Nurse with the state of Indiana Health Professions BureauExperience-Minimum of two (2) years of related experience preferredAuthority and AccountabilityExtensive exposure to confidential information or mattersFrequent contact with various persons or groups within and outside of the hospital including employees, department managers, physicians, patients, visitors and outside agency personnelMust be able to work with and communicate with different types of peopleAptitudesMust be able to prioritize, utilize critical thinking, and adjust to changeMust be able to reason and use logical problem-solving skillsPerforms duties that require some latitude for independent judgment and initiative in handling situations out of the ordinaryMust be self-directed, flexible and willing to assume additional responsibilities as neededPHYSICAL AND MENTAL EFFORTThe physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Regular requirement to sit, stand, bend, kneel, crouch, and move intermittently; use hands to handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; talk; and hearMay have prolonged periods of standingFrequent requirement to lift 25-35 poundsOccasional requirement to assist with lifting 35-100 poundsSpecific vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focusSpeaking and listening skills are essential; must be able to hear and be understood on the telephoneMust be able to work under a moderate amount of stressENVIRONMENTAL AND WORKING CONDITIONSThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.The noise level in this work environment is usually moderateWork is performed in a clean, well-lighted and ventilated buildingCould be subject to infectious diseases, cuts, abrasions, burns, and puncturesWork schedule may vary – mostly day shiftParticipates in call rotation schedule as assignedAccountabilityReports to the Surgical Services ManagerQuality Assurance-Key ResponsibilitiesCirculator ResponsibilitiesDemonstrates knowledge of procedures – checks physician preference cards and updates as neededCleans room prior to and between casesOpens supplies as needed utilizing sterile techniqueChecks room and equipment prior to case – ensures it is in the room and is available and workingReceives patient – identifies patient (ID band; asks in layman's terms what is to be done; checks for jewelry and prosthetic devices (false teeth); checks patient record for consent and patient signature, lab reports, EKG, chest x-ray, and history and physicalDemonstrates proper positioning of patientFinal positions are accomplished after anesthesia has been induced check to insure that the patient is protected against pressure on nerves or impaired circulation – skin must not touch metal of tableHas equipment ready for useArms are secured by draw sheet or arm boardCautery pad on patientCatheter bag is in accessible placeKnee strap secure but not too tight and placed above the kneesOperative site exposedAdjusts lightPreps patient – knows area to shave if necessary and prepAssists with draping as necessaryDemonstrates proficiency with duties at start of caseHelps rearrange back table and ring stands as neededArranges step stools or sitting stools as necessaryNotes time of incisionAttaches suction and/or cauteryHas sterile warm saline and water in proper basinsArranges floor drape and/or kick bucket to receive used spongesDemonstrates proficiency with duties during caseRemains within hearing distance at all times, unless relieved tells scrub where he/she is going if he/she can't see circulatorGuards safety of patient, watches for and corrects any factor that could mean harm to the patient (fire, electrical, contamination)Controls traffic and noise in the room – avoids unnecessary movement and conversationWatches the field – anticipates needs of the sterile team - replenishes supplies before they are depleted – adjusts light as neededKeeps room in order – collects equipment used and puts in one area ready to be removed at one timeHas sponges ready for count at any time – makes sure no counted sponges leave the roomDoes not remove any sponges, instruments and needles from room until all counts are correctKeeps accurate and legible recordsPre-op and post-op diagnosisIdentifies procedureCompletes all recordsPrepares specimens for pathologyCorrectly identifies specimens obtainedHas labels and containers readyCompletes log bookIdentifies exempt specimensPrepares charges in an appropriate and timely mannerDemonstrates anticipation of completion of caseDressings ready to place on sterile field following final countTape readyDrainage bottles, cast material as neededSponges may be disposed of after the final count and are cleared with anesthesiaDemonstrates proficiency in duties at completion of caseNotes time of end of caseRemoves drapes and secures dressingObtains stretcher and assists with transfer of patientTakes all records and chart with patient to room or Recovery RoomPlaces original copies of the operative record and anesthetic record on patient's chartDocuments all orders received during the surgery on Doctor's order sheetConscious sedation – monitors patientSets up monitoring devicesObtains medications, sets up, and labels as neededKeeps reversal agents availableDocuments needed informationConstant observation of patient