Job Title:

Surgical Nurse Department:

Nursing Reports To:

Chief Nursing Officer FLSA:

Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The Surgery/Circulating Nurse will provide professional nursing evaluation and care to patients before, during, and after surgery or diagnostic procedures and will work with other professional staff to provide continuity of care for all patients of the healthcare system.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assesses patient's preparedness for procedure, verifies operative procedure, consent form, and operating site. Monitors patient condition and provides nursing intervention during the immediate post-anesthesia recovery period. Provides post-procedural instructions and assists in preparing the ambulatory patient for dismissal. Performs instrument and equipment preparatory procedures and sterilizes items as required. Performs weekly and monthly cleaning and stocking of surgery and central supply areas. Assists with the surgical clinic as needed. Complies with certification/recertification requirements of the position and attends continuing education courses to remain current in the field. Charts concisely, descriptively, and legibly indicating patient's need for ongoing care. Performs nursing procedures safely and efficiently. Demonstrates understanding of and adheres to the hospitals infection control protocols. Demonstrates compliance with exiting standards and policies. Participates in education, staff meetings, and other mandatory meetings. Provides service in a caring and compassionate manner without prejudice.

REQUIREMENTS

Demonstrated competency in the care of patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. Ability to act independently and make decisions under stress. Ability to work effectively as part of a team. Ability to handle emergency and crisis situations. Ability to stand and walk for extensive periods of time. Manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination to provide nursing care and operating equipment. Ability to lift up to 50 pounds. Ability to stoop, squat, or bend frequently. Corrected vision and hearing within normal range to observe and communicate with patients and professional staff. Exposure to patient elements including communicable disease and bloodborne pathogens. Must participate in the surgical department call rotation, including on-call coverage for nights, weekends, holidays, and other assigned periods, and be able to respond within the required timeframe.

QUALIFICATIONS

Current Kansas licensed registered nurse or licensed practical nurse BLS, NRP, TNCC, and ACLS certification within one year of employment. Minimum one year of experience in operating room nursing preferred. This job description is not intended as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities that may be assigned and is subject to change based on the needs of the organization.