Nurse Sedation

Lightwave Dental•Aberdeen, NC

2d•$35 - $40•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides safe, high-quality care before, during, and after oral surgical procedures involving IV sedation. Working closely with the oral surgeon and clinical team, the RN supports patient safety, monitoring, recovery, and a positive patient experience. The role requires sound clinical judgment, attention to detail, effective communication, and prompt response to changes in a patient’s condition. The RN reviews medical histories, medications, allergies, and preoperative information; assesses and documents baseline vital signs; verifies clearances and consent documentation; establishes IV access; and prepares the treatment area and monitoring equipment. During procedures, the RN assists with sedation and oral surgery within the RN’s authorized scope and monitors and documents vital signs, oxygen saturation, cardiac rhythm when indicated, respiratory status, and consciousness. The RN maintains continuous observation, communicates clinical changes, assists with airway management and emergency response within authorized responsibilities, and follows infection-prevention and medication-safety procedures. After procedures, the RN monitors patients through recovery, assesses for complications, coordinates postoperative instructions, verifies discharge requirements, and documents recovery and discharge readiness. The role also supports clinical operations by maintaining supplies and emergency equipment, protecting confidential records, collaborating with the clinical team, and participating in staff training and emergency preparedness. All nursing duties must comply with the RN’s authorized scope of practice, applicable laws and regulations, provider orders, credentialing requirements, and office protocols.

Requirements

Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
Current BLS certification.
ACLS certification when required by applicable regulations, credentialing, or office protocols.
Knowledge of patient monitoring, medication safety, airway management, and emergency response.
Strong organizational, communication, documentation, and critical-thinking skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced dental or surgical setting.
Ability to recognize changes in a patient’s condition and respond appropriately.
Perform nursing duties within authorized scope of practice and applicable state and federal laws, provider orders, credentialing requirements, and office protocols.

Nice To Haves

Experience in IV sedation, perioperative nursing, ambulatory surgery, recovery, or oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Responsibilities

Review patient medical histories, medications, allergies, and relevant health information before procedures.
Assess and document baseline vital signs and required preoperative information.
Verify medical clearances, preoperative assessments, and consent documentation.
Confirm patient compliance with preoperative instructions, including fasting requirements as directed by the treating provider.
Establish IV access and prepare monitoring equipment, supplies, and the treatment area.
Assist the oral surgeon with IV sedation and oral surgical procedures within the RN’s scope of practice, regulations, and office protocols.
Monitor and document vital signs, oxygen saturation, cardiac rhythm when indicated, respiratory status, and level of consciousness.
Maintain continuous patient observation and promptly communicate changes in clinical status to the treating provider.
Assist with airway management, emergency response, and resuscitation within the nurse’s training and authorized responsibilities.
Ensure emergency equipment, oxygen delivery systems, suction, and emergency medications are available and ready for use.
Document assessments, medications administered, monitoring, and patient responses accurately and promptly.
Follow infection-prevention, aseptic-technique, and medication-safety procedures.
Monitor patients throughout recovery until established discharge criteria are met.
Assess vital signs, consciousness, pain, nausea, bleeding, and other potential postoperative complications.
Recognize and promptly respond to adverse reactions or complications associated with sedation and surgery.
Provide postoperative instructions in coordination with the surgeon and clinical team.
Verify discharge requirements and ensure the patient leaves with a responsible adult when required.
Document recovery assessments, patient status, and discharge readiness.
Collaborate with the oral surgeon, dental assistants, treatment coordinators, and practice manager to support daily operations.
Maintain supplies of IV fluids, monitoring equipment, emergency medications, and other clinical materials.
Inspect and help maintain emergency equipment and medication supplies according to office policy and applicable requirements.
Maintain accurate patient records and protect confidential health information in accordance with HIPAA.
Participate in staff meetings, training, emergency preparedness exercises, and continuing education.
Follow infection-control standards, OSHA requirements, state nursing regulations, and office policies.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe clinical environment.
Perform other patient-care and clinical-operations duties as assigned within the nurse’s scope of practice.