Registered Nurse

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides comprehensive nursing care to patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. The RN works closely with the oral surgeon and clinical team to ensure patient safety, comfort, and quality care throughout the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of treatment.

The RN is responsible for patient assessment, monitoring, medication administration, assisting with sedation and surgical procedures within their scope of practice, and providing patient and family education. The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent clinical judgment, attention to detail, professionalism, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced surgical environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Preoperative Responsibilities Obtain and review patient medical histories, medications, allergies, and vital signs. Perform nursing assessments and identify potential surgical or anesthesia-related risks. Prepare patients for oral surgery procedures. Establish IV access and administer medications as ordered. Review preoperative instructions and verify informed consent.

Ensure surgical rooms, equipment, and supplies are properly prepared. Communicate pertinent patient information to the oral surgeon and anesthesia team. Intraoperative Responsibilities Assist the oral surgeon during surgical procedures as needed. Monitor and document patient vital signs throughout procedures. Assist with IV sedation and anesthesia monitoring within RN scope of practice, training, and applicable regulations.

Administer medications as ordered. Maintain patient safety and comfort throughout the surgical experience. Recognize and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition. Maintain aseptic technique and infection control standards. Assist with emergency situations and participate in emergency response protocols. Postoperative Responsibilities Monitor patients during recovery following surgical procedures and sedation.

Assess airway, breathing, circulation, level of consciousness, and pain. Monitor for postoperative complications and report concerns promptly. Provide postoperative instructions to patients and caregivers. Educate patients regarding medications, wound care, bleeding precautions, swelling, and recovery expectations. Ensure appropriate discharge criteria are met and documented.

Provide follow-up communication as directed by the practice. Additional Responsibilities Maintain accurate and timely nursing documentation. Monitor and maintain emergency equipment and supplies. Assist with inventory management of medications and clinical supplies. Follow OSHA, HIPAA, infection prevention, and office safety guidelines.

Maintain current knowledge of oral surgery procedures and nursing best practices. Participate in staff meetings, training, and continuing education. Maintain professional communication with patients, families, physicians, and staff.