As an integral part of the interdisciplinary team, the Registered Nurse utilizes the nursing process to provide therapeutic care to a specific population of patients. The perioperative registered nurse uses the nursing process, designs, coordinates, and delivers care to meet the identified needs of all patients during perioperative phase. Perioperative nurses possess and apply knowledge of procedure and patient's intraoperative experience throughout the patient care continuum. Perioperative nurse assesses, diagnoses, plans, intervenes and evaluates the outcome of interventions based on criteria that criteria that support a standard of care. Perioperative nurse addresses the impact of the surgical experience on the patient's physiological, psychological, sociocultural and spiritual responses. Perioperative nursing role and activities performed during the preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative phases of the patient's surgical intervention. Perioperative nursing includes, but is not limited to: Peer education and patient/family teaching; support and reassurance; advocacy; control of environment; efficient provision of resources; maintenance of asepsis; monitoring physiological and psychological status; management aggregate patient needs; supervision of ancillary personnel; preoperative exploration, validation of current and future practices; integration and coordination of care across settings and among disciplines, collaboration and consultation.

Essential Duties

• Adherence to Universal Patient Safety Goals in all areas of practice.

• Adheres to safety standards of labeling medication on and off the sterile field.

• Consistently transfers scientific knowledge in applying the nursing process. Formulated care plan Direct/indirect care.

• Performs skills essential to nursing action to be taken.

• Delegates tasks to others based on scope of practice, preparation, capability.

• Evaluates effectiveness of care and modifies plan by observation and interpretation of information.

• Acts as advocate by initiating action to advance plan of care and initiates and supports change decisions.

• Ensures electrical/laser/ radiology safety.

• Ensures intraoperative MRI safety.

• Correct site surgery / surgical time out standards (Universal Protocol) are followed.

• Performs autoclave/Steris operation correctly with appropriate documentation.

• Communicates information to all staff using SBAR in hand off communication in all areas and regarding patient care and patient flow.

• Accurately documents patient charges, implant records, pathology specimens, and preoperative record in a timely manner.

• Accurately utilizes Cerner system in documentation, updates preference cards as needed.

• Adheres to policy for instruments/sponges/sharps count.

• Practices according to USCUH collaboration principles and demonstrates respectful teamwork and delegation.

• Follows policies, Title 22 and JCAHO Standards.

• Participates in development of professional practice, i.e., Nursing committees, research, policy development/review, unit based improvement projects

• Demonstrates knowledge about current policies and shares awareness about new trends/technology.

• Demonstrates current knowledge of surgical anatomy and surgical procedures and applies that knowledge in preparing equipment, supplies and instrumentation for assigned procedures.

• Maintains specialty carts on a continuous basis. Supplies are maintained at par level, organized, cleaned, outdated. Assigned staff is a resource to others for the specialty cart.

• Surgical suites are organized and prepared daily (OR, run room, hallway, carts)

• Facilitates the smooth flow of the surgical intervention (i.e., prepares for the procedure with updated preference cards, knowledge of instruments and Equipment)

• Participates in hospital and departmental wide PI activities

• Performs other related duties as assigned.