Status:  PRN - As Needed

Shift:     As Needed

Exempt: No 

Summary:

The Operating Room Nurse will be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing and be currently licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Louisiana.The Operating Room Nurse provides continuity of care throughout the perioperative period, using scientific and behavioral practice to meet the individual needs of the patient undergoing surgical intervention.

Other information:

1.Previous experience preferred.

2.Specialized or Technical Education Required:

The Operating Room Nurse will be a graduate of an accredited school of nursing and be currently licensed to practice professional nursing in the state of Louisiana. Previous Operating Room experience is preferred.

BLS complete.

ACLS encouraged.

Membership in AORN encouraged.

3.Physical Effort Required:

Strength:MediumPush:FrequentlyPull:Frequently

Carry:FrequentlyLift:OccasionallySit:Frequently

Stand:FrequentlyWalk:Frequently

Responsibilities:

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES:

1.Assesses the physical status of the surgical patient.

A. Anticipate incisional area.

B. General condition of the skin.

C. General mobility of body parts.

D. Vital signs.

2.Assesses the emotional status of the surgical patient and provides support.

A.Is cognizant of patient's fears and anxieties.

B. Shows awareness of patient's level of understanding.

C. Shows understanding of patient's philosophical, cultural and religious beliefs.

3.Identifies and anticipates patient care needs.

A. Identify patient.

B. Verification of operative consent procedure, and operative site.

C. Verification of patient's record, history and physical within 30 days.

D. Using Doctor's preference cards, assembles equipment and supplies according to procedure.

E. Verification of patient x-rays.

F. Organizes and plans ahead for scheduled procedures to insure optimal patient care.

G. Uses knowledge available to handle emergency situations with skill and speed.

4.Maintains a safe environment by implementing technical and aseptic practice.

A. Assembles equipment and supplies necessary for procedure in collaboration with scrub tech.

B. Monitors traffic in the Operating Room.

C. Assists and directs good aseptic techniques for all members of the surgical team.

D. Applies principles of body alignment and adapts them to varying situations during positioning.

E. Complies with the Operating Room policy and procedure for sponge, needle and instrument count.

F. Complies with A.O.R.N. standards regarding confinement and containment.

G. Knows and applies principles of sterilizer function.

H. Utilizes Omnicell, returns unused meds to Omnicell/proper storage location.

5.Documents information relative to the operative patient.

A. Records information that reflects intraoperative nursing care given by the members of the nursing team.

B. Documents activities other than direct nursing care that may affect the patient's outcome.

C. Conducts and documents “time-out” for operative site verification according to policy.

6.Participates in programs and projects directed toward personal and professional growth and development.

A. Attends and participates in staff development programs.

B. Demonstrates interest in professional literature and nursing trends.

C. Assists in orientation, teaching and evaluation of personnel.

D. Assists in data collections and report writing as applicable.

7.Directs and assists in care and handling of supplies, equipment and instruments.

A.Is cognizant of the need for special handling of surgical instruments and equipment, according to policy.

B. Utilizes supplies and materials in a cost effective manner.

C. Monitors levels of inventory in accordance with established quantities.

8.Demonstrates good interpersonal relationships.

A. Extends courtesy and consideration for others in interpersonal relationships.

B. Demonstrates professional manner in work setting.

C. Accepts and acts upon constructive criticism to improve abilities.

D. Channels suggestions, criticisms and questions to appropriate persons.

E. Seeks clarification of duties when indicated.

9.Maintain an employment record in accordance with hospital policies.

A. Complies with attendance policies.

B. Reports all accidents and injuries.

C. Adheres to acceptable dress code.

D. Shares in the responsibility of providing emergency surgical service 24 hours a day.

10.Maintains and increases standards of performance and education.

A. Attends department unit meetings in accordance with policies and procedures.

B. Participates in in-service classes.

C. Shares knowledge with others.

D. Demonstrates interest in professional literature and trends associated with national organization.

E. Knowledgeable of and adheres to AORN Guidelines.

F. Attend morning huddles.

11.Demonstrates knowledge of hospital safety.

A.Is knowledgeable of all hospital safety related codes and performs duties in drills and actual emergencies.

B. Maintains pathways clear of unnecessary equipment and supplies.

C. Reviews the operation of emergency equipment.

D. Reports unsafe conditions and incidents.

12.Demonstrates knowledge of the operative procedure.

A. Pre procedure

1)Prepares for the surgical procedure by reviewing physician pick list and preference cards.Pull all supplies/instruments on preference card (including “hold” items).Notify team leader or charge nurse of supplies/instruments/equipment unavailable.

2)Sets up surgical equipment required for the procedure.

3)Selects appropriate sterile supplies as listed on the physician profile.

4)Understands and applies principles of sterilization when operating auto clave.

5)Counts instruments, sponges and needles with the scrub tech.

6)Assist with maintenance of accurate pick list and preference cards.

7)Possess understanding of assigned surgical procedure.Seek clarification/guidance as needed prior to start of procedure.

B.Procedure

1)Understands and applies principles of aseptic technique.

2)Demonstrates integrity in aseptic technique.

3)Scrubs, dons gown and gloves in accordance with established policies and procedures.

4)Maintains the sterile field by monitoring the sterility of all supplies used during the operative procedure.

5)Performs pre-op skin prep using sterile technique.

6)Complies with AORN standards on confinement and containment

7)Assess and anticipate the surgeon’s needs for exposure and selects appropriate method.May not aid in exposure by cutting tissue or performing blunt dissection.

8)Assist in preparation, positioning and draping of patient and operative area according to need.

9)Demonstrates methods of tissue handling that promote tissue preservation and wound healing.

10)Provides appropriate retraction with protection of anatomical structures.

11)Utilizes appropriate suctioning techniques to maintain a dry field.

12)Provides adequate exposure by appropriate sponging techniques.

13)Utilizes sponges/laps appropriately for pressure and hemostasis.May not control blood flow, prevent hemorrhage (cauterizing bleeder) but may apply ESU to hemostat with physician direction.

14)Operates tables, lights, suction equipment, ESU and other diagnostic equipment safely and effectively.

15)Passes instruments during surgery, recognizing and interpreting the immediate situation to anticipate surgeon needs.

16)Prepares and manages medications and solutions at the operative field.

17)Assists in closing of body planes and skin.May cut suture.May not apply or tie suture.May apply staples after skin approximated by the surgeon.

18)Assists in application of casts and splints.

19)Counts instruments, sponges, etc. as established by policy when relieved during a case.

20)Prepares specimens as directed by the surgeon and according to policy for delivery to the lab.

C.Post Procedure

1)Remove used instruments and supplies from the OR.

2)Disposes of hazardous items per established protocols.

3)Cleans instruments and returns to Sterile Processing per established protocols as needed.

4)Communicates any change regarding physician preferences to the service specific team leader.

5)Report any stated physician concerns to Unit Manager

13.Performs other duties as requested.

A.Laser Safety Specialist duties:

1)Supervising laser usage in a room

2)Acting as a liaison between the clinical laser users and the LSO

3)Troubleshooting equipment problems

4)Monitoring compliance with the health care organization’s laser policies and procedures

5)Reviewing laser-related documentation (eg, logs, laser manufacturer’s directions)

6)Acting as a resource to staff members and laser users

7)Assessing needs for continuing education and training

14.Follows North Oaks Health System’s Compliance Programs and all Federal and State regulatory guidelines.

15.Able to demonstrate competency in age specific criteria as applicable to job scope.

16.Participates interdepartmentally in the Quality Improvement process.

17.Maintains confidentiality of patients and departments.

18.Demonstrates basic knowledge in PACS. Identifies patient file as requested by MD for use during procedure.