SUMMARY:

The Perioperative Registered Nurse at La Jolla Women’s Surgery Center (LJWSC) is responsible for directing nursing care within the surgical suite and recovery area for patients undergoing assisted reproductive procedures and surgical procedures. The Registered Nurse must assess all surgical and recovery needs, coordinate the care to be delivered, evaluate the patient and services rendered, promote patient satisfaction, and communicate with all the members of the health care team. The Registered Nurse is responsible for ensuring compliance with QuadA accreditation of the ASC.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: List the position's essential or most important functions and responsibilities. Include all of the important aspects of the position -- whether performed daily, weekly, monthly, or annually; and any that occur at irregular intervals.

(In compliance with the American with Disabilities Act, ADA, this description identifies the essential components of the job required to be performed with or without reasonable accommodations. Requests for reasonable accommodations to facilitate the performance of these essential functions will be given careful consideration.)

DAILY:

1. Performs nursing care within the surgical suite, pre-, intra- & postoperatively.

1. Assesses the patient for the appropriate level of care to be delivered.

1. Prepares patient for procedure by doing pre-op checklist, pre-op vitals and escorting patient to OR.

1. Maintains awareness of patient condition and communicates changes in status to other team members as appropriate.

1. Assists anesthesiologist/CRNA in starting IV as needed, hooking up patient to EKG monitor, BP monitor, and pulse oximeter.

1. Responsible for helping relieve patient’s apprehension before and during administration of IV sedation or anesthesia.

1. Remains at patient’s side during induction and assists the anesthesia provider when requested.

1. Performs surgical prep of operative site and surrounding area.

1. Assists Scrub Tech with opening supplies for case and maintain sterile field.

1. Communicates with physician and embryology staff when ready for their services in the OR.

1. Makes available instruments and supplies needed during the operation.

1. Counts sponges and needles and documents proper counts.

1. Assists in transferring patient to recovery area.

1. Continues post anesthesia nursing care to patient and reports to Recovery RN when appropriate. 

2. Documents patient care services by timely charting in patient medical record.

3. Assists in cleaning of operating room after a case, when necessary.

1. Closely observes and monitors the pos-op patient by taking vital signs, oximetry readings.

1. Provides post-op teaching of patient and discharge of patient.

1. Participates in patient satisfaction survey and works in those areas identified in maximizing patient satisfaction of LJWSC. 

1. Recognizes and utilizes safety precautions and procedures.

1. Remains familiar with equipment and supplies; their location, function, and upkeep. Re-stocks unit including warmer when needed.

1. Ensures proper care of surgical suite, including cleanliness, sterility and operational ability of all equipment.

1. Ensures aseptic technique is maintained during procedures according to approved standards.

1. Establishes and maintains positive communications with co-workers, supervisor, physicians and patients to promote a spirit of teamwork and cooperation in providing quality healthcare and to ensure achievement of the departmental goals.

IF WORKING THE FIRST SHIFT OF THE DAY:

1. Ensures adequate quality control in the surgery suite by documenting, as appropriate, in the following:

1. Crash Cart Log

1. Blanket Warmer Temperature Log

1. Refrigerator Temperature Log

1. OR Temp, Humidity & UPS Log

1. Oxygen Tank Log

1. Autoclave Log

1. Procedure/Patient Log

1. Narcotic Log: AM Count (to be counted/signed by TWO licensed staff)

1. Pathology Log (when applicable)

IF WORKING THE LAST SHIFT OF THE DAY:

1. Makes pre-op and post-operative phone calls.

1. Confirms all Oxygen flow meters are turned off.

1. Confirms psi status of O2 tanks in gas closet. If needed, empty O2 tanks are changed.

1. Ensures patient medical records are filed appropriately.

1. In conjunction with Surgical Tech, ensures surgical suite is clean and organized.

1. In conjunction with Surgical Tech, ensures OR, supply and utility room lights are turned off.

 AS NEEDED:

Initiates the emergency response team as needed when a patient emergency arises.

MINOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Participates in the orientation and training of new staff including acting as preceptor.

1. Identifies and communicates potential risks and recommends changes.

2. Is familiar with QuadA standards and ensures compliance with QuadA accreditation requirements.

1. Maintains OSHA standards within the surgery suite.

1. Actively participates in ongoing in-services for new equipment or techniques to staff.

1. Actively participates in CPR, Malignant Hypothermia, crash code and fire drills.

2. Assumes On-Call as needed.

1. Supports organizational policies.

1. Performs additional duties as directed by the Clinical Supervisor or surgeon to assist in the smooth operation of the Center and provision of quality care to the patient we serve.

1. Liaise with Physicians and nursing staff to ensuring cases are scheduled appropriately. 

2. 1. Liaises with Clinical Supervisor and Medical Director regarding drugs inventory, changes and new drugs. 

   1. Responsible for contacting vendors for equipment repairs and maintenance in the surgery suite