RN, Periop Fellowship, Atlantic Health Chilton Medical Center

Using critical thinking and decision- making skills, provide ongoing assessment, evaluation and documentation of patient care. Perform all responsibilities for patient care in the Operating Room and transition patients to the next level of care whether to a critical care or PACU unit.

Job Function 01: Assessment skills: Participates in the daily operation of the pre-operative environment: Has competent knowledge of all the normal stages of growth and development from Pediatric to Geriatric and delivers patient care appropriately. Performs thorough assessments that are systematic, comprehensive and accurate. Performs assignments in a self-directed manner using time management skills to maximize productivity. Remains positive and focused despite obstacles and setbacks. Assumes responsibility for deficiencies and follows through ensuring medical record is complete. Reviews charts and assessment and reports any abnormal findings to the Physician. Utilizes the appropriate scales in regard to fall prevention, skin breakdown, pain management and cultural/educational needs of the patient. Effectively assesses the potential discharge needs of the patient+/or family and acts upon these needs accordingly. Assumes responsibility as room/desk coordinator as assigned.

Job Function 02: Clinical Skills. Consistently demonstrates competent clinical skills: Performs direct patient care activities in support of patient care delivery and team concept. Provides competent and appropriate nursing care to the population of the unit. Demonstrates knowledge and skill of emergency equipment and procedures. Demonstrates knowledge of medication administration according to hospital policy. Analyzes situations critically and makes effective clinical decisions which reflect an integration of nursing knowledge and available resources (actual and potential problems). Coordinates, evaluates and completes patient/family teaching. Identifies and reports all risk management issues in a timely manner Recognizes emergency situations and responds appropriately.

Job Function 03: Functions in assigned scrub/circulating role with knowledge of multi-specialty surgical procedures, instrumentation, and individual surgeon preferences. Demonstrates knowledge of all equipment and their function ensuring the equipment is being used for the appropriate means and is in functioning order. Provides support for maintaining specialty instrumentation, supplies and equipment reporting deficiencies and malfunctions immediately. Demonstrates attention to healthcare cost containment when opening cases, communicating with scrub to open only required items. Facilitates the universal protocol ensuring all requirements are met. Constantly applies principles of appropriate body alignment during positioning and procedure. Assists anesthesiologist during patient induction paying attention to any safety concerns. Delegates tasks to the appropriate team member based on level of skill and competency.

Job Function 04: Maintains complete and accurate documentation and patient charges. Demonstrates knowledge of documentation and charging guidelines. Consistently collects and completes all required documentation (i.e. Nursing notes, Implant log, Autoclave tapes, Specimen logs) Assists the department by making appropriate changes in the Surgeons Resource Maps and Pick tickets.

Job Function 05: Demonstrates professional practice responsibilities. Functions as a resource and provides support to staff members to resolve patient care concerns/issues. Attends clinical and professional workshops. Self-directed in knowledge and skill gaps and takes active role in obtaining appropriate education and/or training. Demonstrates flexibility and responsibility in meeting staffing needs of the unit. Actively participates in cost containment through effective use of supplies and resources. Regularly attends mandatory meetings and keeps current with changes in unit functions and activities by checking emails, reading communication books/boards and flip charts, in a timely manner. Clinically practices consistently and effectively with the ultimate goal of improving patient satisfaction

Job Function 06: Maintains a safe environment. Demonstrates use of safe transfer techniques and proper body mechanics for self, staff, patients and their families. Assures safety in patient positioning. Understands, demonstrates, and applies principles of aseptic techniques. Utilizes standard precautions in clinical setting. Protects self and others by consistently adhering to safety practices (i.e. Wears gloves, eye protection, X-ray gowns/shields) Demonstrates knowledge of system and hospital policies and procedures and maintains AORN standards of practice at all times (i.e. Directs and assists in accounting for all sponges, needles, and instruments, disposes patient specimens in the appropriate manner). Consistently follows the National Patient Safety Goals and other regulatory standards.

Job Function 07: Participates in the daily operations of the OR adhering to established Standards of Patient Care. Communicates effectively to Desk Charge/OR Coordinator as to case progress, permitting scheduling decisions to be made on information provided. Assures efficient turnover between cases based on complexity of procedure while utilizing organizational and priority skills. Anticipates and provides proper instrumentation, supplies and equipment for individual surgeons and surgical procedures. Communicate and/or completes necessary changes on the preference cards. Accepts responsibility in a professional manner for deficiencies and follows through on obtaining the necessary items required to perform the surgery in a timely manner. Communicates unresolved issues with appropriate team members in an effort to prevent delays and satisfy customer requests. Remains positive and focused despite obstacles and/or setbacks. Identifies opportunities for positive change and follows through on approved suggestions that are implemented for unit improvements. Contributes to a team environment by supporting their peers and co-workers, discussing issues in the appropriate arena and in a professional manner. Demonstrates initiative and good work ethics, especially during down times.

Other Tasks Which May be required: Assignments that meet the needs of the department

Required:

- Graduate from accredited school of nursing
- BLS required
- Valid Registered Nursing or compact License required

Preferred:

- 1 year of med/surg nursing preferred
- BSN Preferred