RN - OR CIRCULATOR (REQ 3507)

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Operating Room RN provides direct patient care to pediatric through geriatric patient populations, in the operative setting as both a valued team member and patient advocate.  Duties include, but are not limited to, surgical assessments, overseeing the surgical suite, charting care given and supplies/equipment used, along with preparation of the surgical suite for cases.  Postoperative care duties include, but are not limited to, assessments with anesthesia/surgical recovery and assistance of a PACU RN in the recovery area.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

The Perioperative Registered Nurse is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing (or delegating), and evaluating patient care preoperatively, intraoperatively and immediately post operatively.  Standards of perioperative nursing practice have been established by the Association of Operative Registered Nurses, the Alaska State Board of Nursing, state statute, and the American Nurses Association.  The Perioperative Registered Nurse performs all of the activities required to provide perioperative care within the surgical area.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

The Operating Room RN must maintain all certifications to be committed to patient safety, and possess keen observation and assessment skills.  Previous Operating Room, ICU, PACU, and/or Emergency Room experience is highly useful and recommended. The RN must be able to deal effectively and quickly in highly emergent situations, as well as maintain composure in dealing with all clientele involved in the perioperative setting.  He/she will embrace, support and adopt evidence-based care standards and continuing education that ensures quality improvements and patient safety regulatory requirements for best practices and licensure.  

EDUCATION/ JOB CRITERIA:

1. Active Alaska Registered Nurse license
2. Current BLS and ACLS 
3. Current PALS certification or obtain within 6 months of hire
4. Prior experience in the operating room and/or critical care area (ICU, ER, PACU) preferred
5. CNOR preferred
6. Ability/willingness to work flexible hours
7. Ability/willingness to take necessary call
8. Demonstrates excellent observation and documentation skills
9. Demonstrates excellence in working with surgical client population
10. Demonstrates full understanding of patient safety and privacy rights
11. Demonstrates ability to maintain critical skills under extreme duress
12. Willingness to float/cross-train to all areas within department
13. Willingness to assist in special projects as assigned
14. Team player

ENVIRONMENT:  

South Peninsula Hospital’s Surgery Department is located on the second floor of the facility.  The working environment can be made complex by patient problems, family members concerns, physician needs and critical emergency situations.  Surgeon and Anesthesia Provider requirements are complex and attention to detail is critical. The position requires the ability to manage the physical and medical needs of patients in all levels of consciousness, and includes the full spectrum of pediatric to geriatric age groups.  The Operating Room RN must be able to remain composed and professional while providing a safe environment for their patients.