Perioperative Registered Nurse - Operating Room, Children's & Women's Hospital

Overview

USA Health is Transforming Medicine along the Gulf Coast to care for the unique needs of our community.

USA Health is changing how medical care, education and research impact the health of people who live in Mobile and the surrounding area. Our team of doctors, advanced care providers, nurses, therapists and researchers provide the region's most advanced medicine at multiple facilities, campuses, clinics and classrooms. We offer patients convenient access to innovative treatments and advancements that improve the health and overall wellbeing of our community.

Responsibilities

Practices family centered nursing according to policies and Nurse Practice Act; serves as Charge Nurse when assigned; supervises plans, evaluates, and coordinates patient care provided by other licensed and non-licensed staff; demonstrates CPR according to American Heart Association standards; abides by and enforces all compliance requirements and policies and performs these responsibilities in an ethical manner consistent with the organization's values; adheres to hospital policies including confidentiality; serves as preceptor for new employees and nursing students; available in hospital within thirty to forty-five (30-45) minutes of call; utilizes the nursing process to : assess the patient, plan individualized care, identify expected outcomes and implement and evaluate nursing interventions for patients and families; provides direct patient care according to unit specific competencies : performs therapeutic procedures and assists with diagnostic procedures required for the care of the patient; administers medications including controlled substances by all routes; responds appropriately to emergency patient situations; performs basic life support and management of arrest situations; starts IVs; performs activities of daily living; requires minimal supervision to safely perform patient care; when performing skilled procedures the RN can state the purpose, rationale, precautions and observations related to that procedure; utilizes proper body mechanics when : moving, positioning and transferring patients without assistance or with assistance when needed for patient safety or moving equipment that is necessary to perform essential functions; participates in patient / family teaching and documents; utilizes a personal computer or terminal to access the Hospital Information System; communicates and uses appropriate customer relation skills with physicians, patients, families and healthcare team in p2erson and via telephone; responds to overhead pages; maintains accurate and complete medical records by : utilizing the correct documentation tools and procedures, completing peri-operative assessments within unit time frame and completing patient charges accurately; accepts and completes all duties positively and without conflict; cooperates, helps others and improves the performance of the unit; completes all mandatory unit, educational and hospital requirements; utilizes cost effective practices in performing all aspects of the job; adheres to current Infection Control and Safety Standards; accepts reassignment to other areas of Surgical Services with a positive attitude; demonstrates the ability to provide competent patient care to the following patient populations : Neonate, Infant-Toddler / Preschool, School Age / Adolescent, Reproductive Age, Post / Peri Menopausal; manages peri-operative patient utilizing principles of aseptic practice and initiates corrective action when breaks occur; uses technically advanced equipment; participates in evaluation of new products; maintains appropriate supplies for procedural needs; provides appropriate care to specimens and cultures as directed by set Policies and Procedures; performs scrub and circulating duties; establishes and maintains sterile field; maintains unit specific quality control logs; inspects sterile items for contamination / outdates before opening; accompanies patient to PACU and provides appropriate handoff communication; monitors and maintains peri-operative environment (i.e. temperature, traffic, aseptic technique); performs sponge and sharp counts and initiates corrective actions when counts are incorrect; communicates / documents results of counts according to facility policy; monitors labeling of medications on the sterile field and responsible for accurate mixing / dosing; utilizes two patient identifiers when transporting; transferring a patient, labeling specimens, or medication administration; actively participates in all unit based activities in regards to NPSGS such as Thromboembolytic Prevention, Pre-op antibiotic administration 1 Hour prior to incision, Beta Blocker administration prior to surgery, Universal Protocol and Labeling medications on sterile field; actively demonstrates an understanding of patient safety in daily practice in regards to : fall prevention, positioning, transfers, surgical site i.d., electrosurgical safety, laser safety, fire in the OR and signs and symptoms of malignant hyperpyrexia; pulls cases utilizing the surgeon preference card; ensures all supplies required for assigned case are available and in date when case is pulled; ensures case is appropriately set up prior to transfer of the patient to the room; actively participates in unit based educational activities (i.e. role playing or return demonstration); utilizes down time between cases effectively to support unit cleanliness, appropriate stock levels, and extra duty assignments; completes vendor notification forms for implant tracking; actively participates in unit based recycle / reprocessing activities; ensures medical record requirements are on the chart and reviewed prior to transfer of the patient to the OR such as Pre-op orders, H&P with updated signature, consults, labs, consent and Medicaid tubal / hysterectomy consents are signed as appropriate; demonstrates daily an understanding of team work; identifies, organizes and directs activities to utilize resources, personnel, and materials to meet the needs of the patient and nursing staff; communicates with the Nurse Manager and Nurse Administrator, on an ongoing basis, regarding : changes in unit status, patient related issues, staffing issues, Quality Management issues and other events as they evolve; acts as first line in problem resolution with other departments and any patient complaints; assists with shift duty assignments or serves as staff nurse as needed; verifies that emergency equipment is functional; participates on committees as assigned; participates in Performance Improvement activities as assigned; accesses and accurately maintains electronic and paper medical records; Prepares for surgical procedures by ensuring necessary supplies, instruments, and equipment are available and in proper working order; Maintains a sterile operating environment in accordance with infection prevention and safety standards; Maintains active licensure and required certifications; Participates in ongoing education and training to support clinical competence; Participates in staff meeting, in-service education, and required training activities; Assists with orientation and mentoring of new employees and students as assigned; regular and prompt attendance; ability to work schedule as defined and overtime and call as required; related duties as required.

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited school of nursing as approved and accepted by the University of South Alabama meeting the minimum standards set by the State of Alabama. Licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Alabama.

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association required at the time of hire. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications required within six months of employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

The University of South Alabama is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status or any other applicable legally protected basis.

EO Employer - minorities / females / veterans / disabilities / sexual orientation / gender identity.