Registered Nurse

DescriptionPURPOSE:

The Registered Nurse is responsible for logging and keeping track of all medications in and out of the clinic, all script pads, ensuring patient and staff safety, and performing/overseeing multiple clinical duties. The nurse is responsible for assisting the physician to ensure that every procedure being performed is well documented and performed with accuracy.

ACCOUNTABILITIES AND JOB ACTIVITIES:

Morning Arrival Responsibilities

Review schedule for the day
Stock shelves and check stock with needed supplies
Draw up the necessary injectable medication as needed
Verify that all needed probes are ready and sterile
Log all patients for the day on the procedure record

Customer Relations

Maintain patient confidentiality at all times as evidenced by observation
Respect the rights, property, and privacy of all customers as evidenced by observation
Meet customers’ needs and expectations as evidenced by the use of communication skills and actions taken on behalf of patients, families and visitors
Foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation through communication and cooperation with all members of the health care team as evidenced by observation
Manage conflict in a positive and constructive manner as evidenced by observation

Responsibilities & Preparation of patient procedure (as Pre-Operative Nurse)

Assign preoperative arrival times and notify patient(s) at least 1 day in advance of the surgery as documented
Review pre-op charts for completion
Obtain appropriate paperwork to complete chart
Recognize and report to attending physician any deviations from normal lab values
Review pre-op instruction on all patients scheduled for next day surgery and obtain necessary documentation and supplies as required
Collaborate with patient/family to identify individual needs and assess learning readiness
Plan patient care with the members of the perioperative team
Apply effective interviewing skills to obtain information from the patient/family as is necessary to plan, implement, and evaluate nursing
Apply basic verbal and nonverbal communication skills to identify and reduce anxiety in the patient/family
Document assessment, teach all patient’s responses as evidenced by documentation
Set priorities and organize nursing activities accordingly
Assure patient’s privacy and company confidentiality
Maintain records and log books as required by company policy and regulation

Responsibilities for patient procedure (as a Circulating Nurse)

Properly identify patients by checking the identification and comparing with the information on the chart as evidenced by observation and documentation
Verify patient consent is signed and accurately completed
Review medical records for appropriate information as specified in the company policies & procedures
Prepare the Operating Room for the patient by obtaining proper equipment and supplies for intraoperative care as evidenced by documentation and observation
Ensure a safe environment for the patient by following proper aseptic techniques, care and operation of all surgical and emergency equipment as observed
Monitor all patients receiving conscious sedation or local anesthesia according to established policies and procedures

Assist in properly positioning the patient on the procedure table
Record, handle, and label specimens as documented
Assist with dressings and prepare patient for transport to the Recovery Room
Initiate lifesaving measures, such as CPR, in emergency situations as observed

Responsibilities During and After Patient Procedure (as a Scrub Nurse)

Utilize aseptic techniques, set up instruments and equipment needed for procedures as observed and documented
Perform needle, sponge, and other counts as documented
Adhere to principles of universal precautions and ensure safe disposal of all sharps
Control use of supplies and equipment to avoid waste as observed
Assist with the general cleaning of the room and set up for the next procedure case

Responsibilities after Patient Procedure (as a Recovery Nurse)

Rapidly assess patient status upon transfer to the Recovery Room (pulse oximeter, EKG, BP, dressings, drainage, etc.)
Recognize and report to physician any deviations from normal lab values or responses
Document on the medical record as requested or required
Demonstrate knowledge of the location, care and operation of all Recovery Room emergency equipment
Communicate discharge status to the attending physician as documented/observed
Intervene in emergency situations in relation to patient safety and care
Provide patient comfort and safety using appropriate equipment and/or medication as documented and identified through patient surveys
Provide accurate and concise post-operative reports
Assure patient’s privacy and company confidentiality
Maintain records and log books as required by policy and regulation

Safety and Sanitation Requirements

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when in contact with the patient, bodily fluids or hazardous materials
Wear lead when radiological equipment in use
Clean and sanitize any spills immediately
Maintain a safe environment for the employees and patients at all times
Sterilize probes after each use

Develop and maintain personal and professional skills

Attend all mandatory staff meetings per year unless excused as evidenced by documentation
Attend mandatory in-services and a minimum of two pertinent in-services per year as documented
Actively participate in performance improvement activities as observed or documented
Establish realistic professional goals as evidenced by the annual performance evaluation
Actively keep abreast of departmental and organizational activities
Demonstrate flexibility in response to unexpected change in workload or situations as observed
Serves on committees and/or participates in changes of policy and procedures that affect the operation of services as documented
Assist in the orientation of new personnel as directed
Support the mission and goals of the company as observed
Address all emails within 24 hours as documented
Perform other duties as required

Demonstrate safe and cost-effective practice

Consistently adhere to OSHA bloodborne pathogen guidelines; apply universal precautions per company standards as observed
Consistently utilize proper body mechanics as observed
Accurately complete incident reports within the shift of occurrence and immediately communicates critical incidents to the appropriate person per the organizational chart
Consistently allocate resources to reduce waste and minimize costs as observed
Consistently complete assigned duties within stated shifts in a timely manner as observed and documented

BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS

Strive for excellence

Set challenging goals
Produce quality work in a timely fashion
Maintain current knowledge and skill