HUMBOLDT GENERAL HOSPITAL
Position Description/Performance Evaluation
CIRCULATING REGISTERED NURSE
Employee: Department: Operating Room
Job Classification: 121 Supervisor: OR Nurse Manager
Position Summary:
As a part of a multidisciplinary team, the circulating nurse prepares patients for surgery, which includes preoperative assessment, identification of potential nursing diagnoses/interventions (physiological, safety, behavioral/spiritual, and/or health systems). Safely transports patient to and from operating room for surgery. Positions the patient appropriately. Using aseptic techniques, prepares the patients skin. Monitors sterile technique. Assists anesthesia as needed and in all ways acts as an advocate for the patient who requires surgical or procedural intervention.
Position Designation:
The position of Circulating Registered Nurse is identified as department safety-sensitive.
Department safety-sensitive positions mean employment positions, which may in the normal course of business:
- Require the employee to operate the company vehicles or heavy equipment, or
- Involves duties, which, if performed with inattentiveness, errors in judgment, or diminished coordination, dexterity, or composure, may result in mistakes that could present a real and/or imminent threat to the personal health and safety of the employee, co-worker, and/or the public.
Delegation of Authority:
As the Circulating Registered Nurse, you are delegated the administrative authority, responsibility and accountability necessary for carrying out your assigned duties.
Performance Evaluation:
E = Exceeds standards (requires explanation)
M = Meets standards
B = Below standards (requires explanation and action plan)
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Demonstrates clinical competency in assigned area of responsibility. E M B
2. Supports the hospital medication administration competency programs, and
seeks professional growth through continuing education, and/or advanced
professional certifications (AORN, ASPAN, CGRN, PALS, etc.) E M B
3. Demonstrates appropriate judgment in notifying/communicating with physicians. E M B
4. Admits patients to the department of surgery according to hospital policy. E M B
5. Performs initial preoperative assessments; ensures all consents are properly
signed/witnessed. Monitors patients through the preoperative or other procedure
process. E M B
6. Observes standard precautions when starting IVs or as circumstances warrant. E M B
7. Demonstrates awareness of patient safety issues with regard to transporting,
positioning, or recovery of patients in the department and in accordance with
hospital policy. E M B
8. Positions patients according to procedure and prepares patients skin for
surgery in accordance with physician preference and hospital standards. E M B
9. Assists in maintaining correct count of instruments, sutures, and sponges. E M B
10. Identifies and cares for specimens according to hospital policy. E M B
11. Maintains aseptic technique; actively monitors situations which could lead to
breaches in sterility. E M B
12. Assists anesthesia as necessary for intubations, positioning of patient,
administration of blood or other fluids, or other tasks as required. E M B
13. Performs recovery of patients post operatively from general, regional anesthesia or
intravenous sedation, including airway management, hemodynamic monitoring or
other patient care responsibilities for the PACU in accordance with hospital policy. E M B
14. Demonstrates competence and professionalism in setting up and assisting with
endoscopic procedures such as EGD, Flex-sig, Colonoscopy, or Bronchoscopy. E M B
15. Documents procedures/interventions in accordance with hospital guidelines. E M B
16. Accurately compiles charges associated with procedures or recovery of patients
who receive services from the surgical department. E M B
17. Administers and controls narcotics and medications. Dispenses medication
appropriately according to policy. E M B
18. Willing to accept charge nurse responsibilities as assigned, delegating patient
care as appropriate and making assignments to ensure departmental efficiency. E M B
19. Adheres to departmental, hospital and medical chain of commands. E M B
20. Demonstrates technical competency through annual equipment certification
attending manufacturers sponsored in-services, and additional training as required. E M B
21. Has completed or is actively working toward completion of departmental
performance-based checklist. E M B
22. Has completed or is actively working toward completion of departmental specific
experience record. E M B
23. Is resourceful and calm in emergencies. E M B
24. Supports the department by attending, and constructively contributing to staff
or other meetings as able/necessary. E M B
25. Maintains a clean, organized and safe working environment in both patient care
areas and the nursing station. E M B
26. Participates in stocking, sorting, or inventory of departmental supplies to ensure
appropriate items are readily available for patient care needs. E M B
27. Actively participates in the review of policies and procedures for the surgical
department on an annual basis. E M B
28. Maintains harmonious relationship within the unit and with other departments,
staff, physicians and other support personnel providing support and assistance
to ensure quality patient care. E M B
29. Participates in rotation of stand-by call and responds according to department
policies and procedures. E M B
30. Maintains confidentiality of all patient/staff information. E M B
31. Performs other related duties as assigned or required. E M B
Position Qualifications:
Preferred Minimum Education:
Must possess a high school diploma
Graduation from an accredited school of nursing
Required Licensure/Certification:
Active Nevada Nursing License as a Registered Nurse
Current BLS
ACLS certification within one year of employment
Personal Qualifications:
Able to read, write and speak the English language in an understandable manner.
Prefer previous experience as circulating RN and/or post anesthesia recovery experience.
Ability and willingness to work harmoniously with professional and non-professional personnel.
Able to communicate clearly and tactfully with patients, their families and co-workers.
Ability to perform mathematical calculations for medication administration
Must be a role model of a professional nurse.
Must be able to be on standby call and respond according to department policies and procedures
Physical Requirements: The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
Heavy physical effort (lift/carry/push/pull plus 50 lbs)
Prolonged excessive standing/walking
Manual dexterity and mobility
Lifts, positions, pushes and/or transfers patients
Lifts supplies/equipment
Visual acuity with or without correction
Working Conditions: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of work typically performed by an employee. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.
May be exposed to infections and contagious diseases
Regularly exposed to the risk of blood borne disease
Exposed to hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids and wastes
Exposed to hazards from electrical/mechanical/power equipment
Subject to burns and cuts
Occasional exposure to unpleasant patient or unit elements
Occasional exposure to radiological radiation
Exposure to unpleasant elements (accidents, injuries and illness)
Subject to varying and unpredictable situations
Occasionally subject to long irregular hours
Works in clean, air-conditioned, well-lit environment
Requires judgment/action which could have a significant impact on a patients life
Required Protective Equipment:
Gown, medical gloves, face shield as necessary and other equipment as required by OSHA regulations and hospital policy.
FSLA Status: Non-Exempt
Review: I have read and understand the job description for the position of Circulating RN. The expectations of my job have been explained to me and I have had an opportunity to ask questions. I acknowledge that the contents of this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by person assigned to this position and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills of the person so classified. Further, I certify that I am capable of meeting the personal/physical/licensure/certification requirements of this position.
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Signature of Employee Date
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Signature of Supervisor Date
Circulating Registered Nurse Rev. 11/2006