PRN Operating Room Registered Nurse - Fort Carson

About the Role

Responsible for directing and instructing personnel in preparing, sterilizing, and caring for operating room equipment and supplies. Supervises central sterile supply service activities, maintains concise and complete records and reports, and provides professional nursing care to patients undergoing surgery.

Responsibilities

• Maintain open communication lines, both intra-departmentally and interdepartmentally, to provide for total needs of the patient
• Conduct preoperative and postoperative visits. Discuss operative procedures with patients and inform them of what to expect during surgery
• Consult with the operating surgeon and establish priorities of care for each patient entering the operating suite
• Coordinate with other hospital units (recovery room, intensive care, obstetrics, and nursing units) on patients' progress and any special equipment or supplies needed for the patient returning from surgery
• Establish and utilize a checklist to monitor the physical plan of the operating room and equipment for conformity to all national safety standards
• Assemble the type and quantity of material and special equipment needed for daily procedures and possible emergencies
• Respond to surgical emergency requirements such as cardiac, pulmonary, or respiratory failure and hemorrhage. Provide care based on assessed patient needs
• Ensure accurate and thorough documentation of patient care events and process improvement activities in accordance with MTF guidelines
• Administer medications, electrolytes, fluids, blood, and blood products
• Ensure compliance with standards of care and practice in accordance with all established policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Recognize medical emergencies and respond appropriately, including initiating CPR and assisting with advanced cardiac life support measures
• Provide perioperative nursing care for all types of patients (elective, urgent, and emergency procedures) across all age groups
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care for patients of all ages, including newborns, children, adolescents, adults, elderly, disabled, and individuals of varying ethnic and religious backgrounds
• Actively participate in and comply with quality and process improvement activities to ensure compliance with national standards
• Adhere to perioperative, infection control, and safety policies and procedures
• Coordinate patient care through a continuum to achieve optimal outcomes in relation to care, quality, and cost-effectiveness
• Participate in the orientation, training, and evaluation of newly assigned personnel
• Serve and participate in committees, functions, and meetings as directed, providing relevant and timely information
• Check procedure setups for accuracy and perform routine cleaning and organization of work area
• Ensure a safe work environment, employee safe work habits, and patient safety in accordance with regulatory agencies and infection control policies
• Undergo orientation and training on the use of all equipment and the supply ordering process
• Maintain regular and punctual attendance

Requirements

• Associate's Degree in Nursing from a college or university accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Valid and current national or state nursing license with no limitations, stipulations, or pending adverse actions
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Life Support (ALS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications
• Minimum of twelve (12) months of experience in operating room assignments, including all phases of operating room technique
• Must complete orientation and competency verification programs in accordance with unit guidelines
• Ability to read, understand, speak, and write English effectively to communicate with patients and healthcare providers
• Must meet the site's required health screening and immunization requirements
• Must obtain and maintain any necessary security access and/or background checks
• Must obtain and maintain all required documents, certifications, and licenses listed on the credentialing checklist

Skills

• Knowledge of pharmacological agents used in patient treatment, including desired effects, side effects, and complications
• Understanding of administrative requirements for proper documentation of patient conditions
• Working knowledge of laboratory test values
• Skilled in setting up, operating, and monitoring specialized medical equipment (e.g., IV infusion pumps, cardiac monitoring devices, EKG units)
• Excellent patient assessment skills
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with a diverse group of people
• Strong written communication skills for accurate documentation
• Proficiency in computer operations, basic word processing, data entry, and automated medical records
• Ability to synthesize data from multiple sources and make appropriate clinical decisions
• Ability to communicate and collaborate with a multidisciplinary medical team

Schedule

Full-time. Shifts may include 12-hour, 10-hour, 8-hour, nights, weekends, on-call, or overtime. Slight changes to work hours may occur.

Work Environment

• Primarily indoors at a well-lit military treatment facility (clinic, outpatient facility, or hospital)
• Environment may vary and could be fast-paced, requiring quick thinking and rapid judgments
• Exposure to a wide variety of clients with differing functions, personalities, and abilities
• Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, latex, radiation, or other contaminants
• Highly social and interactive work with patients, which can be emotionally stressful

Physical Demands

• Sitting for long periods, using hands/fingers, handling, reaching with hands and arms, speaking, or translating
• Periods of walking, standing, bending, kneeling, stooping, crouching, and lifting boxes weighing up to 30 pounds
• Moderate to extended periods of office work with heavy computer usage
• Occasional to moderate periods of analytical tasks requiring extensive reasoning abilities