Overall Responsibility: 

The Surgical Registered Nurse is responsible for the preparation and care of patient during the peri-operative period.  Provide direct nursing care to patients during their surgical procedures at the Center, in accordance with AORN standards.  To keep Clinical Nurse Supervisor informed of problems involving patients, surgeons and equipment in the OR. To support and espouse the mission and policies of the Center.

Key tasks and responsibilities (essential functions):

1.                   Utilizes nursing process in assessment, evaluation, and intervention in patient care as provided in the OR.

2.                   Ensure the OR is set up appropriately for each case, including using the surgeon preference card to review the supplies pulled for each case, for the next day.

3.                   Prior to transporting the patient from Pre-op to OR identifies the patient, reviews with the patient the site and procedure to be performed and ensures the completion of the medical record, including and H&P.

4.                   Demonstrates continued competence in assessing, treating, and caring for individuals based upon age-specific needs utilizing a developmental perspective.

5.                   Assist anesthesiologist before, during and after case as indicated.

6.                   Completes all documentation to ensure the availability of accurate and up to date information in accordance with established standards.

7.                   Adheres to established Center safety requirements and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.

8.                   Aware of supplies and protocols in the event an emergency arises.

9.                   Demonstrates the safe operation of equipment and machinery and follows procedures for reporting and correcting an unsafe situation.

10.               Communicates patient information to assure confidentiality and continuity of care.

11.               Performs duties as identified by Center policies and procedures and in accordance with AORN standards.

12.               Interacts with all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees in a mature, responsible manner to ensure a positive and professional surgery center environment.

13.               Provides care to post-surgical patients in the PACU according to policy and procedure and care standards.

14.               Demonstrates knowledge, proper usage of equipment, troubleshooting, and proper removal from patient care. 

15.               Maintains knowledge of medications expected patient outcomes post-surgery/recovery, and anticipated complications.

16.               Recognizes emergency situation, responds quickly and efficiently following policy and procedure, PALS/ACLS, physician orders or emergency plan to prevent adverse patient outcomes.

17.               Documents of all assessments, interventions and patient outcomes are performed according to policy and procedure and facility standards.

18.               Provides verbal and written instructions to family or responsible party for home care including emergency contact numbers, general instructions, and physician specific instructions.

19.               Ensures that follow-up call is placed to patient and responses recorded appropriately.

20.               Restocks supplies/equipment and medications to maintain adequate levels for patient care.

21.               Outdates are checked monthly, drugs outdated are returned to the pharmacist and replacements ordered.

22.                Supplies/medications are rotated so that outdates are at a minimum.

23.               Demonstrates continued competence in assessing, treating, and caring for individuals based upon age-specific needs utilizing a developmental perspective.

24.               Demonstrates appropriate knowledge and competence of designated skills identified for position.

25.               Performs appropriate nursing duties during procedures which pertain to pain management using current nursing standards as well as facility standards.

Licensure and Certification:  Current License in the State of Arizona.   BCLS required; ACLS and PALS required, if not current should be current within 90 days.

Experience required:  Minimum of one year experience as surgery circulating nurse, prefer experience with multi-specialty procedures.

Environmental and physical requirements  - Candidate must be able to read, write and speak English fluently, have cognitive skills for math, reading, filing and sterile technique skills.  Communication skills to deal well with employees, patients, families and physicians.  Vision for near, mid-range, far and accommodation.  Hearing for low, medium, and high pitch.  Job requires physical ability for long term standing, occasional sitting, crouching, kneeling, frequent walking, reaching with reaching above head and below waist.  Job risks include exposure to blood and body fluids (high), contact with chemicals, lifting of 30 - 40 pounds, and exposure to infectious disease.