Job Objective:

Under the supervision of the Director of Surgical Services and/or the OR Charge Registered Nurse, is responsible for the nursing care of patients undergoing surgical and/or other invasive procedures. The RN shall function under the guidelines of AORN Standards, as well as the policies and procedures of the hospital.

Essential Duties:

Meets all essential duties of a Registered Nurse

1. Nursing Process

Applies nursing process in direct patient care.

• Responsible for creating a safe and comfortable environment for the surgical patient
• Insures that patients have a safe intraoperative period from general, regional or local anesthesia
• Provide accurate and ongoing patient assessment
• Creation and maintenance of quality care provided for patients undergoing surgery
• Allows the patient to participate in his/her care and respects and carries out wishes accordingly, i.e. decision to decline blood transfusion, etc
• Acts as patient advocate while patient is impaired either under general anesthesia, regional or sedation
• Accounts for sponges, needles, instruments, and sharps during intraoperative phase

Skills and Abilities:

• Meets all skills and abilities of a Registered Nurse
• Knowledge and application of surgical asepsis and sterile technique
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of proper supplies equipment and instrumentation needed for surgical procedures, i.e. electrocautery, patient monitoring equipment, and equipment such as neurological, cardiovascular, orthopedic equipment during procedures
• Demonstrates competency in use of the new technologies relating to equipment and procedures
• Ability to take charge of unit for the assigned shift, within two year from date of hire
• Must complete accredited Perioperative Nursing Course and Preceptor Program and/or a one year surgical experience
• Facilitates education/growth of employees/students
• Demonstrate ability to supervise care provided by others
• Adheres to accepted policy and procedure in providing patient care