Operating Room Nurse

SUMMARY The Operating Room RN assists in the daily function of the operating room in accordance with established federal, state and accreditation standards and facility policies and procedures. Assists in overseeing patient care activities in the operating room and maintains a high standard of safety for the patient and other staff members.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Assess patients/significant others understanding of disease process and need for surgical intervention. Performs perioperative teaching to patient/significant other. Demonstrates appropriate nursing management and intervention perioperative period. Performs preoperative patient assessment, reviews surgeon preference card, assess equipment/supply needs, prepares operating room, ensures availability of needed supplies and equipment and proper and safe working order.

Provides safe medication administration. Manipulates patient position appropriate to surgical intervention, using positioning aids as needed to avoid impaired circulation, respiration and postoperative pain/discomfort. Performs surgical prep per standard of care and surgeon preference. Handles and documents specimens per policy.

Demonstrates knowledge and skill in caring for the latex sensitive patient. Performs sponge, sharps and instrument counts per protocol. Initiates corrective action when surgical counts are incorrect. Assures emergency equipment and supplies are available at all times. Keeps surgical suites clean, tidy, free of soiled equipment and supplies, and properly stocked.

Uses principles of asepsis in varying situations. Initiates corrective action when breaks in technique occur. Wears appropriate attire in restricted area. Adheres to recommended traffic patterns. Demonstrates appropriate protocol for safe use and handling of equipment. Capable of trouble shooting equipment problems. Verbalizes knowledge of risks and complications.

Reports malfunctioning equipment to appropriate personnel. Demonstrates awareness of protocol for malfunctioning equipment and repair. Provide for equipment and supplies based on patient needs. Anticipates the need for equipment and supplies based on surgeon preference. Selects equipment and supplies in an organized, cost effective and timely manner.

Assures all equipment is functioning before use and removes any malfunctioning equipment. Demonstrates skills in appropriate use of instruments and equipment. Operates mechanical, electrical, and air-powered equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions. Uses knowledge of medical record policy and procedures. Participates in medical records QAPI.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND SUCCESS INDICATORS Listens carefully, gives feedback directly, honestly and talks with others to clarify differences. Utilizes translation services when needed. Utilizes appropriate services when needed to communicate with employees and patients with speech and hearing disorders. Effectively communicates and interacts with patients, their family, and other external and internal clients (including fellow employees) from diverse backgrounds.

Demonstrates a willingness to look at new ideas and work in a changing environment. Understand, verbalizes, and participates in the quality improvement process. Supports initiatives designed to improve individual and organizational performance. Provide appropriate patient care across the age span. Identifies and reports suspected child, spousal/partner and elder abuse per protocol.

QUALIFICATIONS

Current California RN license and BLS, and ACLS required. 2-5 years of as an operating room nurse required. Knowledge of regulatory standards. Interpersonal, critical thinking skills. Working knowledge of telephone, fax, and patient monitoring equipment. Standard operating room machinery, equipment, autoclaves, washer sterilizer, and patient monitors.

Complexity: Ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and ware while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position. Per Diem or PART time position available