RN - Ambulatory Surgery Center

Purpose and Scope

Supports the Organization mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy. Adheres to the Organization Compliance Program, including following all regulatory and Organization policy requirements. Provides direct nursing care pre, during and post procedure, under the direction of the Facility Manager, Director of Nursing and/or Charge Registered Nurse, utilizing standard nursing techniques to assist the physician in optimum patient outcomes following facility policies and procedures.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Quality

• Support and drive organization quality standards through meeting regulatory and accrediting body requirements and the practice of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI), including use of CQI tools.
• Assist with implementation of organization quality goals and facility‑specific action plans to achieve organization quality standards.
• Accountable for outstanding quality of patient care, as defined by the organization quality goals, ensuring policies and procedures are followed.
• Address and act on adverse events and action thresholds in collaboration with facility management.
• Maintain integrity of medical records and other organization administrative and operational records.
• Comply with all data collection and auditing activities.
• Maintain facility environmental integrity and safety.

Patient Care

• Obtain necessary medical history, discuss procedure, answer questions, and perform nursing assessment on the day of the procedure.
• Provide education to patients and families regarding post‑procedure care of vascular access.
• Monitor patient condition before, during and after the procedure, especially patients receiving moderate sedation and contrast media, for possible complications or reactions.
• Act as a resource for patients to address concerns and questions; identify and communicate patient‑related issues to facility management as needed.
• Complete documentation of patient information from admission to discharge accurately.
• Confirm written orders, consents and lab work are completed and documented per facility policies, including preparation, delivery, reporting, and forwarding of lab results.
• Maintain competency with emergency procedures; initiate CPR and emergency measures as needed.
• Administer medications and IV moderate sedation per physician orders and in compliance with all regulations.
• Serve as scrub technologist to assist the physician during procedures, maintaining sterile technique.
• Assist with patient workflow by transporting patients as needed.
• Perform point‑of‑care laboratory testing as directed and in compliance with regulations.
• Perform IV insertion as ordered.
• Perform additional tasks designated by the physician, practicing in compliance with state regulations.

Physicians

• Provide regular and effective communication with physicians as needed.
• Attend and participate in CQI meetings with physicians, reporting on assigned topics.
• Assist facility management in verifying necessary instruments and equipment with physicians and staff.
• Assist the physician in completing and reporting state‑required adverse event reports and internal reporting per organization policy.

Maintenance / Technical

• Operate facility equipment and technology (patient monitors, defibrillators, medical recording devices, sterilizers, computers) safely and efficiently.
• Inspect operation of all facility equipment; report malfunctions and maintenance needs to ensure safe and effective operation of vascular access equipment.
• Inspect facility operating systems (temperature checks, physical structure) and report issues to the Facility Manager.
• Ensure a clean, safe, and sanitary environment in the vascular access facility at all times.
• Address blood spills immediately according to the organization/FMCNA Bloodborne Pathogen Control Policies.

Administrative

• Assist with efficient utilization of medication, laboratory, inventory, supplies and equipment to achieve supply cost goals following organization formularies.
• May assist in developing and revising policies and procedures related to the facility for continuous process improvement.
• Support Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) activities, including monthly reports and meeting attendance.
• Maintain medication supply, including inventory control, checking for expired medications, and appropriate recording of controlled substances as required by law.
• Complete usage logs for all medications with proper documentation and record drug disposal per local, state, and federal law.
• Maintain facility supply inventory, ordering and restocking supplies as needed.
• Examine emergency equipment and supplies, including regular stocking of the crash cart.
• Complete medical records accurately in compliance with organization policies prior to patient discharge; perform chart audits regularly.
• Participate in facility regulatory and accreditation surveys and develop action plans to address deficiencies.
• Complete state‑required records for all implanted devices accurately and timely according to organization/FMS records management guidelines.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and orientation as assigned.
• Comply with HIPAA policies and standards regarding patient information and medical records.
• Assist with various projects as assigned by direct supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

The position involves desk and computer work, frequent interaction with patients, staff, and physicians, and direct patient care that regularly includes heavy lifting, moving, and assisting with ambulation. Equipment aids or coworkers may provide assistance. Frequent prolonged standing, bending, and occasional lifting of patients or equipment up to 200 lb (with a two‑person assist program and material assist devices) are required. The work environment is a health‑care facility with temperature control and moderate noise levels. Exposure to infectious or contagious materials, radiation, and the need to wear protective gear in procedure rooms for extended periods is possible.

Education

• High School Diploma required.
• Associate’s Degree desirable.
• Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred.
• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing (R.N.).
• Current appropriate state licensure.
• ACLS certification required.

Experience and Required Skills

• 4–6 years related experience preferred.
• Experience in Office‑Based Surgical Center, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Vascular Access, Cardiac Cath Lab, or a combination of ASC, surgical, Interventional Radiology, ICU/CCU, or Emergency Department preferred.
• Proficient in computer use and Microsoft Office.
• Proficient in IV insertion.
• Proficient in cardiac rhythm recognition.
• Experience with medical database software.
• Certified in BLS and ACLS with successfully completed course certifications.