Job Description

The staff nurse provides direct nursing care to patients of all ages who have undergone surgical intervention requiring post anesthesia care with emphasis placed on airway management and circulation.

1. Clinical Practice and Care Management
   1. Involves the patient and/or family in the utilization of processes which respects patients rights.
   2. Prepares for the care, safety, comfort and privacy of the patient in accordance with their individual needs.
   3. Completes an age specific physical, biological and psychological assessment of the patient for infant, toddler, preschooler, school age, adolescent, adult, and older adult in the holding area. Identifies critical elements for each age group using the following tools: chart review patient observation patient/family interview communication with other team members (health care providers) reaffirmation of patient identification verification of surgical procedure patient/familys understanding of procedure analyzes and reports abnormal assessment to anesthesia/surgeon
   4. Reassesses the patient upon transfer to OR and accommodates patients changing needs.
   5. Uses nursing process to formulate plan of care based on assessment and individual needs of the patient.
   6. Assists anesthesia with induction and throughout procedure.
   7. Utilizes positioning aids to facilitate procedure, protecting pressure points and maintaining normal anatomical alignment.
   8. Transport patient to OR and PACU in a safe and timely manner.
   9. Provides specific attention to supplies and equipment based on the cultural needs and age of the patient, infant, toddler, preschooler, school age, adolescent, adult, and older adult.
   10. Utilizes a collaborative interdisciplinary process to provide appropriate patient/family education.
   11. Accurately identifies and records specimens according to policy.
   12. Gives complete and accurate report to Recovery.
   13. Assists Recovery as needed with direct nursing care.
   14. Demonstrates a working knowledge of all equipment; maintains equipment in safe and proper working condition through correct use.
   15. Shares the responsibility of general departmental duties with all OR team members, including but not limited to the following: prepares for the next days cases participates in general cleaning puts away instruments and supplies as received shares responsibility of maintaining appropriate inventory levels schedules surgery cases
   16. Participates in evaluations of new products, methods or equipment to determine quality.
   17. Serves as a resource for physicians and other departments.
   18. Maintains an accurate sponge, needle and instrument count with the scrub nurse-0 deficiency rate.
   19. Assists the scrub nurse in gathering all necessary equipment, instruments, and supplies for the procedure.
   20. Prepares room and sets up case, adhering to the principles of aseptic technique and Infection Control policies.
2. Conduct and Communication Skills
   1. Observes and enforces departmenthospital policy concerning no smoking, telephone usage, dress code and other rules governing conduct while at work.
   2. Appropriately identifies self to others (i.e. patients, patients family, staff, physicians, etc.)
   3. Accepts responsibility for action and omissions. Is responsive to identified need for change.
   4. Willing to adjust personal schedule to meet hospital staffing needs when requested (including weekends and holidays).
   5. Reports to department on time and prepared to begin assigned duties.
   6. Provides proper notification and advance notice for absence or tardiness and takes corrective action to prevent recurrences.
   7. Supports and encourages a harmonious working relationship within the department, other disciplines, and departments. Promotes an environment for an interdisciplinary team approach to achieve the mission/goals of the hospital. Motivates staff in a positive manner.
   8. Self-motivated; performs job duties utilizing effective time management. Seeks additional work as time permits.
   9. Seeks guidance about questionable or uncertain situations.
   10. Demonstrates cost conscious attitude toward staffing, supplies, and departmental function.
   11. Obtains and uses information to improve patient outcomes and individual and hospital performance. Maintains interdepartmental communication through utilization of available resources.
   12. Follows established hospital guidelines with regards to appropriate access of information.
   13. Utilizes hospital and/or departmental manuals appropriately (i.e. Safety Manual, MSDS Manual, Policy & Procedure Manuals, etc.)
   14. Respects each patients rights and conducts business relationships with patients and the public in an ethical manner. (i.e. confidentiality, privacy, security, preferences, etc.)
   15. Reflects the hospitals values and a sensitivity to the hospitals ethical and compliance principles in his/her daily activities.
   16. Able to institute and follow policy and procedures as related to ethical issues.
   17. Follows appropriate channels of communication to effectively express ideas, issues, concerns, suggestions, and questions.
3. Professional Development
   1. Attends required in-services.
   2. Attends and participates in a minimum of 3/4ths of departmental meetings
   3. Meets hospital wide and department specific educational requirements.
   4. Participates in hospital wide and department specific Performance Improvement projects. Makes suggestions to improve department or hospital wide performance.
   5. Identifies self or department improvement needs and seeks appropriate resources.
   6. Maintains a safe, functional, and effective environment for patients, staff members, and other individuals in the hospital.
   7. Responds to Emergency Preparedness Plan according to hospital policy. (i.e. Code Blue, Code Red, Code White, etc.)
   8. Knowledgeable of location and use of emergency response equipment (i.e. fire extinguishers, fire alarms, crash carts, etc.)
   9. Maintains a safe and orderly work area. Cleans equipment as needed.
   10. Maintains equipment in safe and proper working condition through correct use and appropriate notification of malfunction.
   11. When indicated, completes occurrence reports in a timely manner.
   12. Applies appropriate ergonomic principles to reduce the potential for job related injuries.
   13. Can implement all policies and procedures to identify and reduce the risks of acquiring and transmitting infections among patients, employees, and others.
   14. Maintains a current Employee Health screening status as per hospital policy

Experience - Registered Nurse with a minimum of one year nursing experience in Critical Care.

Education - Graduate from an accredited Nursing Program.

Licensure - Current Louisiana State license as RN; BLS certification; ACLS Certification within first 6 months of hire

Training - Good communication skills both verbal and written; computer skills helpful. Ability to maintain emotional stability in emergency situations and possess potential ability for leadership. Willingness to float to Day Surgery, Surgery, and rotate call.