RN, OR

1. Utilizes the nursing process for the performance of patient care, to assess, plan, intervene, and evaluate patient care to achieve prioritized patient outcomes according to the RN scope of practice.

• Performs comprehensive nursing assessments in an efficient and effective manner.
• Reviews, discusses and implements health care provider orders appropriately and acts appropriately if there are questions.
• Recognizes abnormal symptoms/changes in patient condition, establishes priorities and takes appropriate action.
• Serves as a patient advocate.
• Evaluates patient progress toward desired outcomes prior to discharge.
• Demonstrates personal accountability in the delivery of patient care in a competent, professional and compassionate manner.
• Provides intravenous interventions.

2. Collaborate with health care providers to coordinate medical and nursing management of patient care.

• Promotes team concept through effective communication regarding patient condition, patient care plan and patient satisfaction with appropriate individuals that are involved in the patient’s care.
• Works effectively with ancillary areas as part of the team approach to patient care.
• Directs patient support team members effectively and appropriately.
• Demonstrates initiative and flexibility in the provision of patient care.
• Informs and involves Nurse Manager regarding patient care issues in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Assists in making patient assignments, coordinating admissions, and meeting staffing needs for unit.
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team.
• Completes patient and family education throughout the patient’s stay and at discharge.

3. Performs emergency treatment as required in accordance with RN scope of practice.

• Initiates or assists in patient care in an effective and responsive manner as each situation requires.
• Triages each emergency situation appropriately and involves other resources as appropriate.
• Administers and performs emergent care in accordance with the applicable patient population type, which may range from newborn to geriatrics.
• Follows policies, procedures and protocols in an effective manner.

4. Performs and maintains documentation.

• Document all aspects of patient care accurately and comprehensively, adhering to hospital protocols.
• Complete all documentation in regard to surgical implants, specialized equipment, and capturing all case charges (as applicable).

5. Communicates effectively.

• Communicates and collaborates effectively with other health team members regarding patient condition, nursing plan of care, patient satisfaction needs and recommendations for meeting identified outcomes.
• Follows approved hand off report format when communicating patient information to other staff.
• Identifies and recognizes abnormal symptoms/changes in patient condition, established priorities, and takes appropriate action. Appropriately, reports condition changes to medical provider.

6. Promotes and ensures patient and staff safety in all aspects of responsibilities.

• Administers medications, treatments and procedures in a timely and safe manner according to health care provider orders and nursing policy, including appropriate performance of standard precautions, using two patient identifiers, and performing patient risk assessments prior to surgical procedure.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics, transfer and lifting techniques to minimize fall risk to patient and injury to self.
• Implements infectious disease controls as appropriate including isolation procedures, proper use of hand hygiene and gloves.
• Follows proper procedures for wasting narcotics and disposal of sharps and hazardous materials.

7. Performs operating room specific tasks, as assigned.

• Prepare and maintain the operating room environment, ensuring all necessary instruments, equipment, and supplies are sterile and ready for use.
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical team members to ensure seamless patient care.
• Assist in patient positioning, ensuring that all pressure points are padded, and patient is secured throughout the procedure.
• Demonstrates knowledge of treatments, policies/procedures, and surgical equipment.
• Responds to Patient/Family concerns and provides immediate interventions when possible.
• Provide emotional support to patients and their families throughout the surgical process, communicating with family during procedures as needed.
• Adapts to changes in workload and completes assignments while maintaining quality care.
• Initiates and performs duties that need to be completed although not directly assigned.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and maintain compliance with hospital, and regulatory standards.

8. Performs post-anesthesia Phase 1 recovery care, as assigned.

• Completes a thorough assessment upon entry to the recovery area, this includes but is not limited to:
  • Vital signs, including pulse oximetry, heart rhythm/rate, BP, and pain assessment to ensure safety and comfort.
  • Respiratory system: airway patency, breath sounds, oxygen saturation, and presence of artificial airway (as applicable).
  • Cardiac system: heart sounds, peripheral pulses, capillary refill (monitor for hypotension, hypertension, and dysrhythmias.
  • Neurologic function: LOC, ability to follow commands
  • GI: bowel sounds (as applicable).
  • Extremity sensation, muscular strength, and mobility (as applicable).
  • Skin integrity
  • Surgical site, including dressing and drains.
  • All invasive lines and IV sites, and drainage tubes (as applicable).
• Administer medications and manage intravenous (IV) lines.
• Communicates care provided in recovery to RN completing Phase 2 care after surgery, per hospital policy.

9. Performs other duties as assigned.