Job Summary
Independently assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates the nursing care of patients. In collaboration with the patient and family, provides theory-based professional nursing care and coordinates care delivery with the physician and other members of the healthcare team. Performs a variety of technical duties to assist the surgeon with the operating room procedures. Responsible for facilitating and coordinating the patientÆs office visit to ensure the achievement of the nursing process while assisting the surgeon in the MD office/clinic.
Minimum Qualifications
Education/Training
Valid RN license in the State of Maryland.
Experience
1 year nursing experience. Orthopedic OR and scrub experience preferred.
License/Certification/Registration
ONC (Orthopedic Nurse Certification) preferred. CPR certification.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Basic computer skills preferred.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Adheres to surgical schedule and case turnover consistent with standards. Reports to work on time and is ready for first case of the day consistent with OR scheduling policies. Maintains communication with control desk, other team members and POAC regarding delays, cancellations and add-ons. Adheres to Periop Services dress code.
Anticipates needs of surgical team be correctly assembling needed supplies for each procedure according to physician preference card. Verifies that all equipment is functioning at the beginning of and during the case, recognizing own problem-solving limitations, and seeks assistance as needed. Assists with setup and troubleshooting of specialty equipment. Assists in maintenance of the sterile field throughout the case by practicing aseptic techniques in accordance with AORN standards of care and infection control guidelines. Anticipates needs of the perioperative patient in the PACU/CVICU/ICU setting and assists with transfer when needed. Actively participates in OR room turnover.
Assess and evaluate new patients by completing patient history and nursing assessment.
Assists in preparation and performance of office based procedures û i.e., injections, aspirations. Assists with post-op patient follow-up û i.e., wound care, suture removal, dressing changes, etc. Assists in review of patient lab data.
Assists in scheduling patients and patient flow management. Completes paperwork specific to surgical procedures û i.e., FMLA, return-to-work, IME (Independent Medical Evaluations), etc.
Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations. Completes Periop mandatory RN education as required by Manager/Director (i.e. fire, SiTEL, MH etc.).
Coordinates care of assigned patients preoperatively, intraoperatively, and/or postoperatively. Models patient/family advocacy.
In collaboration with the patient, family, and other members of the health care team, systematically develops, revises, and coordinates the patient's plan of care. Formulates nursing diagnosis as necessary. Assists others in developing, revising and coordinating patient's plan of care. Obtains information from patient interviews, observation and patient records to assist in the total assessment of pre-op, intra-op, and post-op needs.
In coordinating the delivery of patient care, delegates activities to unlicensed staff in accordance with MedStar/facility policies, principles of Patient-Centered Care, and the Maryland Nurse Practice Act. Supervises the performance of the delegated nursing task by the unlicensed staff. Assists staff in delegation/time management skills. Identifies ways to facilitate working relationships among all levels of staff.
Informs surgeon and/or Nurse Manager/Director regarding significant or adverse patient outcomes.
Maintains a safe and therapeutic environment of caring for patients and families. Provides basic patient comfort measures. When necessary, provides environmental support to expedite timely patient admission or transfer. Identifies and acts upon opportunities to improve the environment of care.
Maintains patient privacy and confidentiality. Facilitates collaboration among other health team members fostering effective communication with other disciplines.
Participates in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement teams.
Performs basic procedures such as positioning, urinary catheter insertion and removal, maintenance of drainage devices, assist anesthesia, collection of specimens, shaves, preps, application of appliances (TED, SCD, Binders, Slings, Supports) case cart setup, and table setup, gathers equipment needed for case.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Provides for the emotional support of patients and families during the crisis of illness. Speaks with patients re: treatment of care questions. Makes all surgical outpatient pre-op and post-op phone calls.
Provides pre-op and post-op patient teaching, including total arthroplasty information classes as required.
Under the direct supervision of the surgeon û positions and preps the patient; provides exposure through appropriate use of instruments and retractors, suctions, and sponges; applies surgical dressings.
Uses budgeted resources judiciously to ensure efficient and cost-effective operation in the department.
MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation and research. Our 30,000 associates and 5,400 affiliated physicians work in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest visiting nurse association in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education and professional development of our whole team. MedStar Health offers diverse opportunities for career advancement and personal fulfillment.