Job Summary:

Provides safe, competent nursing care to all age surgical patients.  Demonstrates competency and proficiency to circulate on the majority of surgical procedures and operate required equipment.

Demonstrates through behavior Decatur Morgan Hospital’s mission, vision and values.

Key Responsibilities / Essential Functions

1.     Knowledgeable of principles of operating room nursing, aseptic technique, infection control and patient safety issues.

2.     Identify needed supplies and equipment to prepare OR suite for patient care; inspect OR suite to determine if it is clean and equipment is in readiness for case.

3.     Assess and meet patient’s physical/psychological and safety needs.

4.     Review patient’s chart for completeness, relevant history, lab results, and individual patient needs.

5.     Initiate and maintain correct sponge, needle and instrument counts throughout perioperative period.

6.     Prepare the incision site according to established procedure.

7.     Anticipate and fulfill the requirements of the Scrub RN/Technician and surgical team.

8.     Identify, label and dispatch specimens to the laboratory per established procedure.

9.     Maintain accurate record of medications used on the field during the procedure; complete charge slips for medication use.

10.  Remain at patient’s side and assist anesthesiologist as required during induction and emergence from anesthesia.

11.  Demonstrates accountability and adaptability.

12.  Ability to work in a fast paced, high stress area.

13.  Consults and coordinates with OR team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate individualized patient care plans.

14.  Serves as communication liaison with patient’s family and other members of the OR team.

15.  Works directly with entire OR team to assure correct procedure, correct patient, correct site. 

16.  Completes appropriate preoperative and intraoperative documentation accurately, concisely and in a timely manner.

17.   Knowledgeable of hemodynamic parameters, takes appropriate action when abnormal.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required:

Education:  Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing and currently licensed to practice as a R.N. in the state of Alabama. BCLS required

Experience: Prior experience preferred or completion of the Peri-Op program required