Registered Nurse, Outpatient Surgery

Major Responsibilities:
Direct Nursing Care
1)Evaluates and manages the care of patients within the Orthopaedic department
2)Capable of assisting physician with all procedures and treatments for the unit he/she works in.
3)Is knowledgeable of assisting with job duties of all personnel in the department.
4)Consistently encourages questions from patients and their families and offers guidance that fosters compliance.
5)Administers medications according to approved policy/procedure following protocol or physician order and monitors response.
6)Demonstrates ability to apply fiberglass and plaster casts and remove casts utilizing the cast saw. Proficient in applying various splints and soft goods
7)Exhibits good technique in dressing removal and application.
8)Demonstrates ability to set up, draw meds and prep for joint injections.
9)Maintain a safe work environment. Assist in emergency situations as assigned by demonstrating appropriate acts and prioritizing to met patients condition.
Surgical Assistance
1)Provide assistance to surgeon/physician in OR by draping, sponging, retracting, suctioning, suturing skin closure, tying and cutting sutures.
2)Assists with intraoperative and postoperative surgical wound dressings, braces, casts, or posterior molds.
3)Understanding of basic principles to create and maintain a sterile field.
4)Assist the circulating RN with positioning of the patients as directed by the surgeon, and assist the scrub nurse with clean-up procedure upon completion of the case if needed.
5)Assist with wound closures as directed by surgeon.
6)Incises tissue when indicated and as directed by surgeon.
7)Clamps, cauterizes, and/or ligates bleeders when indicated and as directed by surgeon.
8)Assists the circulating RN with patients of all ages with skin preparation per surgeon preference
9)Assist with transfer of patient from cart to table and vice versa.
10)Assist in transportation of patient to the OR suites pre-operatively and to the Recovery Room post-operatively as directed.
Indirect Nursing Care
1)Consistently orders tests and reviews results according to department protocol or as ordered by physician.
2)Reports abnormal findings, patient complaints, or concerns, to physician or supervisor
3)Assures the accuracy and completeness of messages. Triages and prioritizes messages, communicating information to providers/patients in a timely manner.
4)Explains procedures and test results using language appropriate to patient's level of understanding.
5)Serves as an advocate and liaison between patients, staff, physicians and external customers by sharing necessary information to ensure continuity of care.
6)Demonstrates ability to schedule procedures, tests, and surgeries in ambulatory surgery center and/or hospital.
7)Assist with the set-up and assembling of all supplies and equipment required for the procedure.
8)Transports necessary x-rays and paperwork to surgical location including hospitals and ambulatory surgery center.
9)Acts as a preceptor, sharing knowledge in a supportive/educational manner
Time Management
6)Provides direction and supervision to other licensed and unlicensed personnel.
7)Participate in the rotating call schedule with other surgical assistants as delineated by that group.
1)Consistently manages time and demonstrates resource management skills effectively to complete daily activities.
2)Consistently knows how and when to delegate tasks to others.
3)Consistently watchful of patient flow by keeping rooms clean, stocked and available and maintains adequate inventory.
4)Consistently checks equipment and trays for proper functioning and availability.
5)Demonstrates flexibility by performing additional duties when and where indicated.
Documentation
1)Provides consistent and accurate documentation of patient information, care and concerns in the EMR according to the guidelines provided in the Documentation Policy and as otherwise instructed.
2)Consistently completes vouchers, referrals and requisitions with all appropriate information including medical record number and services codes or using EMR.
3)Completes all patient documentation according to the Documentation policy guidelines.
Licensure:
Registered Nurse (RN) or Surgical Assistant Certificate
Education/Experience Required:
Graduated from an accredited School of Nursing.
Prefer 1 year of direct nursing experience
Prefer at least 2 years OR experience, but will consider strong candidate.
Current RN license in the State of Illinois or Current Certified Surgical Assistant.
CPR certification required upon hire or within 60 days of hire.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
Previous OR experience
Good communication skills; both written and oral.
Well developed interpersonal skills with ability to work effectively with clinical team, patients and family members.
Ability to assess, plan and intervene and evaluate the physical, emotional and education needs of patients.
Basic keyboarding & typing skills.
Previous experience using EMR system preferred.
This position may need to recognize needs and behaviors of age groups of patients treated; in this case, prior experience with such age groups is required.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
Must be willing to work with exposure to body fluids, waste and chemicals, radiation, hazardous materials, anesthesia gases and life threatening diseases. On call availability (nights, weekends, holidays) Rotating shifts Flexibility to deal with changing environments Ability to respond quickly to emergencies. Work in high stress situations. Ability to respond to fire and other codes (e.g., evacuate patients).
Must be able to successfully complete clinic-based training for all associates.
Ability to work with all levels of personnel.
Ability to work under stressful situations.
Frequent periods of extended standing and sitting. Possible lifting and assisting of patients.
If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.