Operating Room Nurse Clinician III (Galveston)

University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)•Galveston, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position requires a competent clinician with knowledge and skill to meet standards for competent professional nursing practice as specified in the Texas Nurse Practice Act. The ideal candidate will be experienced, knowledgeable, and skilled in their specialty area, functioning competently as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Experienced nurses transferring into the operating room must complete the operating room specific Competency Based Orientation (CBO) tool satisfactorily within the 6-month probationary period. Practice is characterized by predominantly interdependent and independent critical thinking decisions, problem-focused, and patient-centered care. The role provides safe and competent intraoperative patient care, actively acquiring knowledge and skills specific to patients undergoing a surgical procedure. A strong patient advocacy role is expected, with diligence in the preoperative review of documents and verification of surgical procedure, site, and other critical safety checks prior to surgery. The nurse will safely circulate in emergent and urgent surgical cases and collaborate with physicians and other members of the surgical team during surgical time outs and debriefing procedures. Enforcement of aseptic and sterile techniques is crucial, as is the ability to safely operate highly specialized OR equipment. The role requires the ability to manage unexpected or emergency situations commonly seen in the assigned specialty population and to serve as a resource for Nurse Clinician I or II. The nurse will manage commonly seen contingency situations that arise on the clinical unit and provide patient care through nursing practices based upon the American Nurses Association Standards of Practice, Nursing Process, and UTMB’s three domains for competency and advancement: Professional Practice, Professional Performance, and Performance Improvement.

Requirements

RN with two years of preferred clinical operating room, ICU, Cath Lab and other procedural areas RN experience
Must possess and maintain a current license or valid permit to practice in Texas
Current BLS required

Nice To Haves

Experienced nurses transferring into the operating room must complete the operating room specific Competency Based Orientation (CBO) tool satisfactorily within the 6-month probationary period.

Responsibilities

Validates specialized perioperative nursing knowledge
Indicates attainment of current perioperative nursing practice standards
Consults and coordinates with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans
Participate actively in our surgical time out and debriefing
Ensures that operating on correct patient and the correct procedure is being performed
Observes, checks and monitors all equipment used during surgery to confirm they are running smoothly
Assists in positioning, responding to comfort/safety of patient
Provides for accurate care, handling and documentation of surgical specimens
Support the surgical technologist during the case effectively
Performs surgical counts (Initial, Closing and Final) and reconcile incorrect counts per policy
Document accurately all surgical procedures, documentation, supplies and implants
Participate actively and support departmental initiatives related to patient safety, efficiency, cost containment, staff and physician satisfaction, and other projects mandated by the department
Observes and enforces strict standards of asepsis
Able to take call status and respond to the emergencies per policy, “stay days” and work long and unpredictable hours
Thrive and maintain collegiality and professionalism during high-stress situations
Actively invest and engage in improving or maintaining staff morale and satisfaction
Completes required specialty specific Competency Based Orientation (CBO) tools by the initial performance evaluation due date for placement in employee file
Actively participates in the initial and ongoing evaluation of competency using competency based orientation (CBO) tools and/or Competency and Clinical Advancement Program (CCAP) tools
Independently and competently assists with activities for assigned area embodying UTMB’s core values
Independently and competently completes assesses patients and identifies actual and potential nursing diagnoses/patient care needs
Competently plans and prioritizes culturally, age and specialty appropriate care for the identified patient group
Independently and competently delivers culturally, age and specialty appropriate nursing care to the identified patient group
Performs and reports point of care testing (POCT)
Provides and maintains a clean, safe environment and performs and/or assists others to perform proper aseptic technique, isolation procedures and infection control measures
Serves as a patient advocate; may require assistance in difficult situations
Develops and reports nursing plan of patient care and treatment
Utilizes nursing research and quality improvement to enhance evidence-based practice
Demonstrates acceptable productivity and practices cost containment for the practice and the patient
Competently and consistently completes accurate, concise and legible documentation on all patient, unit and hospital records including hands on care delivery and telephone patient related interactions
Competently utilizes electronic forms of communication and documentation
Implements effective patient/family teaching and accurately assesses readiness to learn
Identifies learning needs of self and others; sets challenging and realistic goals and develops learning opportunities to meet goals
Demonstrates compassion and understanding
Displays a professional verbal and non-verbal demeanor
Puts needs of others above his/her own through accountability, compassion, integrity and respect
Functions as an independent and supportive team member
Achieves the required UTMB Competency and Clinical Advancement (CCAP) points to achieve / maintain the NC III level
Completes the annual self-evaluation on time for competency and performance evaluation using CCAP tools
Meets periodic UTMB and unit specific compliance requirements for health screening, training, attendance, safety and CPR
Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure
Performs related duties as required