RN - OR Circulator - Full-time - AVALA Hospital -RH456 - RH458 - RH464

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs the surgical preparation on the patients.
• Checks patient identification and date of birth by armband and verbally.
• Checks NPO status.
• Verifies procedure.
• Checks for patient allergies.
• Gathers appropriate supplies and equipment.
• Performs the prep in an aseptic technique.
• Performs Time Out.
• Makes an initial assessment of and determines the nursing needs of the patient assigned to their care.
• Affirms patient’s physical and mental status.
• Reviews patient’s medical and surgical history.
• Explains nursing procedures and actions taken to help reduce anxiety.
• Notifies surgeon and/or anesthesiologist of any pertinent physical or emotional findings.
• Checks the patient’s medical record for completeness.
• Checks that consents are accurate with signature, date, and time.
• Verifies history & physical within 30 days: Update completed with signature, date, and time.
• Reviews Hand Off form prior to transporting patient to OR.
• Documents accurately on OR record and Implant record.
• Accurately completes Care Plan tailored to meet the patient’s needs.
• Facilitates a prompt turnover of the operating room.
• Checks OR board for assignment.
• Assists other staff members with the cleaning of the operating room.
• Maintains organized work area.
• Uses foresight to prepare for upcoming assignment.
• Secures appropriate supplies and equipment for the next assigned case.
• Opens up supplies with surgical tech.
• Ensures safety and comfort of patients.
• Keeps side rails up when transporting patient to and from OR.
• Provides warm blankets.
• Ensures that wheels are locked when transferring patient to and from stretcher and OR table.
• Safely positions patient on the OR table using safety strap and positioning aids.
• Applies return electrode to clean, dry, shaven (if necessary) muscular area and checks and documents condition post-op.
• Knowledgeable in the use and troubleshooting of equipment.
• Maintains DVT prophylaxis with use of SCDs.
• Accurately observes and monitors the environment of care closely.
• Aware of potential risks in the environment and reports to appropriate personnel.
• Communicates equipment malfunctions and reports to appropriate personnel.
• Performs competently in emergency situations.
• Remains calm in emergency situations.
• Can utilize emergency equipment appropriately.
• Stays up to date on current practices.
• Maintains preference cards and accurately keys patient charges.
• Reviews charge sheet during cases for supplies opened.
• Makes necessary changes to preference cards as needed.
• Charges for appropriate number of items as needed.
• Verifies that supplies brought in by outside vendor have been pre-approved.
• Maintains supplies and orders those that are necessary.
• Takes initiative in preparing for new surgeon.
• Rotates stock and checks for expiration dates.
• Communicates surgeon’s request for a special supply or instrument.
• Communicates in advance supplies needed for scheduled cases.
• Participates in hospital wide inventory.
• Self-directed in completing assignments.
• Participates in reprocessing program.
• Assists with orientation of new staff
• Other duties as assigned

Charge Nurse Duties

• Supervises the daily operation of the OR by:
• Coordinating staff and/or room assignments of procedures for the optimal use of equipment, space, and staff.
• Affirms needed equipment and supplies are available for all procedures.
• Ensures procedures begin in timely manner.
• Communicates with surgeons, anesthesia and, staff to assure consistent operational flow.
• Covers breaks and lunches for all operating room staff.
• Assists staff to expedite quick turnovers.
• Observes use and handling of supplies to decrease mishandling and breakage. Assures all equipment and supplies are put away.
• Supports vender policy and observer policy.
• Keeps Director abreast of all operational and/or occurrences within the department and participates with problem solving.
• Assists with orientation and performance evaluations of staff.

Core Competencies

• Action Orientation
• Communications
• Creativity/Innovation
• Critical Judgment
• Customer Orientation
• Interpersonal Skills
• Leadership
• Teamwork

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
• This position is very active and requires repetitive motions, standing, walking, bending, kneeling and stooping all day.
• The employee must frequently lift or move items weighing up to 100 pounds.