Registered Nurse

Washington Gastroenterology's Gastroenterology Associates Division is seeking a Registered Nurse for our Olympia Endoscopy Center.

Position Summary: This position is responsible for providing nursing care to endoscopy patients during admission, procedure (RN only) and recovery processes, under the guidance of the physician, utilizing endoscopy center standing orders, and in accordance with Washington Gastroenterology's policies and procedures. Responsibilities include providing optimal patient care with positive outcomes while observing cost containment and safety issues.

Principle Accountability: 75% - Delivers safe, quality, cost effective nursing care to endoscopy patient during admission, procedure and recovery processes. 20% - Participates in daily endoscopy operational duties including (but not limited to) inventory and stocking of daily supplies; equipment set-up, take-down and cleaning; chart preparation; answering phones; medication ordering and receipt; controlled substance counting and safekeeping. 5% - Participation in quality assessment and performance improvement (QAPI) projects, staff in-services and meetings, equipment maintenance, medication outdated checks, crash cart inventory and quarterly pharmacy consultant visits.

Detailed Responsibilities / Duties:

Maintains working knowledge of and abides by, Washington Gastroenterology policies and procedures. Works in close communication with Washington Gastroenterology's office staff, endoscopy staff physicians, Charge Nurse (or Lead Nurse) and Endoscopy Manager to troubleshoot problems regarding issues such as patient escorts, schedule conflicts, patient care, procedural preps, safety, chart completion, instrument and equipment use, maintenance, cleaning and repairs.

Keeps Charge Nurse (or Lead Nurse) and Endoscopy Manager informed of current issues and involved in decision making regarding issues. The RN assumes responsibility for assessing, planning, implementing, directing, supervising and evaluating direct and indirect nursing care of patients throughout patient stay. The RN is responsible for determining the education and competency level of personnel to whom she/he is delegating.

The RN establishes nursing diagnoses and plans patient care and delegation of tasks to LPN and assist personnel accordingly. Assumes responsibility for outcomes of delegated tasks. The LPN provides nursing care under the supervision of the RN, observing, recording and reporting significant changes which require intervention or changes in the patient's plan of care. The LPN delegates non assessment related tasks to assist personnel. Assumes responsibility for outcome of delegated tasks. Greets patient and escort, introduces patient to endoscopy unit, maintains patient chart forms, clarifies and completes patient history, takes admit vital signs, educates patient about planned procedure(s) and post procedure period, places N and administers N fluid(s) as ordered.

The RN provides nursing care to patient during endoscopy procedure, including but not limited to: N administration of medications for moderate sedation under the guidance, and in attendance of, the physician; monitors the patient during moderate sedation induction and procedure using the nursing process and in accordance with GA policies; takes appropriate actions, as needed, based on nursing assessment and physician orders; assists physician with positioning of patient, abdominal pressure and/or other duties during the procedure that do not leave the patient unattended or compromise continuous monitoring; maintains chart forms; maintains controlled substance count, safekeeping and documentation.

The moderate sedation RN maintains overall responsibility for facilitating assistance to the physician during the procedure and delegates appropriate tasks to, and supervises, a second procedure room staff person (RN, LPN or GI Assistant).

Delegated tasks may include, but are not limited to: procurement and labeling of biopsy specimens, assisting the physician with therapeutic procedures and equipment use and troubleshooting. In the case of therapeutics requiring injection, such as for tattooing or saline lift, the second staff person will be an RN or LPN with appropriate initial and annual training. Provides nursing care to patient during recovery phase, monitors patient according to GA policies and takes appropriate measures based on nursing assessment and physician orders. Ensures patient discharge teaching is complete, appropriate and documented. Initiates and coordinates urgent/emergent measures as appropriate based on nursing assessment, physician orders and GA policies and procedures.

RN takes lead role. Places post-procedure phone calls to patients. Documents phone call and documents/reports post-procedure symptoms per GA policies. Assists support staff with inventory and stocking of supplies linens and cleaning and maintenance of endoscopy center equipment, including updating log books. Participates in the ordering, receipt, daily counts, out date checks and security of controlled substances and ancillary medications. Assists support staff in clerical duties and chart compilation. Utilizes computer software systems to review and/or update patients medical profile, confirms demographics and monitor patient census.

Maintains knowledge base regarding medications/IV fluids available for use in the endoscopy center including, but not limited to: route, indications and dosage, proper dilution of, onset, peak, duration, adverse reactions and response to such, interactions and contraindications. Participates in development and revisions of WA GI policies and procedures based on community standards of care, ASGE, ASTM, CDC and SGNA standards of care and research information. Responsible for working within scope of practice for his/her license according to W A State law.

Maintains working knowledge of cleaning, disinfection, maintenance and troubleshooting of endoscopes, equipment, instruments and facility. Observes Standard Precautions. Maintains working knowledge of hazardous materials in the workplace, (including patient bodily fluids and specimens as well as chemicals). Is familiar with location and use of MSDS book and is proactive in preventing personal, patient and staff exposure to hazardous materials.

Participates in safety and QAPI programs, notifies manager of safety issues promptly; makes suggestions for QAPI studies. Makes judgments and takes appropriate action regarding safety issues. Maintains patient's rights to privacy while providing safe, high quality, empathetic and appropriate nursing care. Observes HIPAA guidelines regarding protected health information. Sets a good example for coworkers in all aspects of performance. Strives to maintain and improve cohesiveness and teamwork throughout the Practice.

Models and encourages behavior consistent with GA and endoscopy center Mission Statements. Responsible for seeking educational opportunities related to position. Accepts responsibility for professional growth and development. Participates in appropriate staff in-services and staff meetings. Participates in annual WISHA and HIP AA training. Maintains W A State LPN or RN license. Maintains Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification. Participates in preceptor ship, orientation and mentoring of other staff members. Other duties may be assigned by department leads, managers or health care providers to promote efficiency and enhance customer service.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ability to speak English clearly and understand and follow oral and written instructions Current WA state Licensed Practical Nurse or Registered Nurse license Maintains current BLS and ACLS certification
• Recent patient care experience required
• Computer skills required ABCGN Certification (American Board of Certification for Gastroenterology Nurses) preferred ASC, ASF, GI, endoscopy and/or moderate sedation experience preferred
• Our goal is to deliver and maintain the highest quality medical care in the field of gastroenterology and to do so efficiently, compassionately and courteously.
• Because our staff takes such great care of our patients, it is important that we take care of our staff.

Washington Gastroenterology has an excellent benefit package that includes the following:

Medical, Vision, Prescription coverage, Dental coverage, Life Insurance coverage, Long Term Disability coverage, Tuition Reimbursement ,401(k), retirement program with profit sharing, Paid Time Off - 4 weeks in your first year, Monday - Friday, and Schedule with no evenings.