POSITION SUMMARY

Responsible for the planning, executing, directing, and evaluating direct and indirect nursing care given to the surgical patient. This nursing care ranges from preoperative intervention onto postoperative evaluation. It is a practice designed to meet a patient's needs through the nursing process, ensuring continuity of care during the surgical experience.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 95% of audited records reflect complete and accurate documentation of preoperative assessment findings.
• Direct observation and audited records reflect ongoing assessment throughout the intraoperative and immediate postoperative phases.
• Demonstrates the ability to identify and prioritize problems/potential problems relevant to surgical intervention 95% of the time.
• Communicates problems/potential problems to appropriate team members.
• Assembles appropriate supplies, equipment, and instrumentation and ensures proper function prior to assigned procedures 95% of the time. Establishes and maintains the sterile field utilizing principles of aseptic technique 95% of the time.
• Demonstrates efficiency and organization in room preparation. Set up is complete and patient is admitted by scheduled case time 95% of the time.
• Performs sponge, sharp, and instrument counts consistent with department policy and procedure with no more than one infraction annually.
• Positions the patient applying principles of surgical positioning and with strict attention to patient and personal safety 100% of the time. Performs surgical skin scrub using correct technique 95% of the time.
• Operates and maintains surgical equipment according to manufacturers' recommendations with no more than one observed infraction annually.
• Monitors the sterile field and initiates appropriate corrective action when breaks in technique occur 95% of the time.
• Selects the appropriate method of sterilization for instrumentation. Demonstrates correct operation of autoclave and sterrad sterilizers.
• Documents sterilization information according to department policy and procedure with no more than two infractions annually.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the correct method of preparing each type of specimen, according to hospital policy and procedure with no more than one infraction annually. Ensures that all specimens are correctly labeled and that pathology slips are accurately completed with no more than one infraction annually.
• Administers and documents medications and responses according to hospital policy. Monitors and documents physiological parameters according to hospital policy and procedure.
• 95% of audited records reflect documentation of perioperative assessments, plan of care, interventions, and evaluation. Documentation is legible, complete, accurate, and in accordance with standards of care and department policy and procedure.
• Communicates pertinent information to appropriate team members and other departments. Keeps patient's family/significant others informed of patient status when appropriate.
• Administers fluids, medications, blood, and blood products according to policy and procedure. Practices standard precautions and utilizes personal protective equipment according to hospital policy.
• Uses and supervises the use of supplies and equipment in a cost-effective manner. Demonstrates accountability by being available, mentally, and physically alert when on call. Arrives at the hospital within 30 minutes of being called for emergency procedures. Demonstrates courtesy when relaying and receiving information from co-workers and other departments.
• Abides by all hospital policies, rules and regulations and performs any other duties deemed necessary by the head nurse/charge nurse or nursing supervisor.

EDUCATION AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Current Louisiana license required.
• CNOR certification preferred.
• BLS is required within 30 days of hire date.
• ACLS and PALS are required within 90 days of hire date.

Please indicate whether you have ever been convicted of a crime, including any misdemeanors and/or DUI/DWI. (Criminal conviction(s) will not automatically exclude you from consideration for employment).