Outpatient Surgery RN (Healthcare)

The Outpatient Surgical RN is responsible for the overall care of patients seeking treatment in our Outpatient Department. It is the responsibility of the Outpatient Surgical RN to ensure the comfort of patients before, during and after medical procedures and surgery.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
CIRCULATING RESPONSIBILITIES:
Ensures that the surgical room is sterile and safe for the patient
Works side by side with scrub technician to help maintain the sterile field in the operating room
Prepares the patient for the procedure and handles the preparation for the operating room before the surgery takes place
Assess the patients condition before a surgical procedure
Assess the needs of the patient during the procedure, to ensure the best outcome
Work with a physician to develop the care plan for the patient during the surgery
Continue to evaluate the patients condition during the procedure and makes changes to the care plan as necessary
Monitor patients physical and emotional well-being throughout the care continuum
Respond to life-saving situations based upon nursing standards and protocol
DURING THE SURGICAL PROCEDURE, THE OR NURSE(S) CAN TAKE ON ADDITONAL DUTIES:
Assist in position, responding to comfort/ safety of patient
Provide for accurate care and handling of specimens
Observe and enforce strict standards of asepsis
Observe, check and monitor all equipment used during surgery to confirm they are running smoothly
Handle all patient documentation
Inventory all items both pre and post-surgery
Perform other position-related duties as assigned, depending on assignment setting
PRE-OP RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide patient education during all phases of the patients experience at the Center
Ensure that proper supplies and equipment are available in the Pre-Op and PACU
Assist with inventory control by proper count of supplies / time used
Appropriately document patient care provided
Prepared for arrival of patients to the surgery center by ensuring all proper supplies and equipment are available
Review the patient chart and health history to assure that the necessary pre-operative evaluations have been completed and ensure that all consent forms have been signed.
Admit and prepare patients for surgery, provide on-going information to the patient and his/her caregiver to assure that they understand all procedures and feel as comfortable as possible
Perform nursing assessment of patient, start IV and ordered medications
Wipe down gurneys and recliners between patients with a germicidal solution. Remake beds as needed
Communicate with other health care team members to assure continuity of care
Document charges for all supplies used during the pre-op and recovery phase
PACU RESPONSIBILIES:
Provide care for post-operative patients recovering from anesthesia
Monitor vital signs
Monitor surgical site
Initiate patient education to ensure that both patients and families are educated on procedures and medications.
Monitor patients physical and emotional well-being throughout the care continuum
Respond to life-saving situations based upon nursing standards and protocol
Answer patients questions and ensure they are kept comfortable.
Ensure post-operative area is clean and sanitized.
Observe and assists with patient recovery after procedures, ensuring patient safety prior to discharge.
Document procedure, medications and plans of care in patient charts.
Communicate with physician(s) regarding any concerns throughout the overnight stay.
Assist patient throughout their stay with any needs as necessary.
Ensure patient has everything he / she needs to have a positive experience within our facility
Explain post-operative instructions to patients, ensuring they are prepared and understand in-home, post-operative care.
QUALITY ASSURANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Ensure that all equipment is functioning properly
Attend continuing education offerings to remain current with ASC issues
Identify potential risks to patients and others. Take action to minimize or eliminate risk and maximize safety in the facility
Perform narcotic counts at the end of each surgical day
Perform daily crash cart checks
Assist with pre-operative phone calls as needed
Ensure the at universal precautions are maintained
Complete all necessary documentation on Nursing assessment forms
Maintain the privacy, confidentiality and security of all patient protected health information and center information, following minimum necessary standards according to HIPPA guidelines
Perform other duties as assigned
Adheres to the facilitys Standards of Excellence.