Registered Nurse First Assist - Medical Center East OR Team

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), located in Nashville, Tennessee, is a global hub for teaching, discovery, and patient care, dedicated to advancing health and wellness through preeminent programs. VUMC fosters an environment where expertise is valued, knowledge expanded, and abilities challenged, committed to diversity and employee pride in their work. This Registered Nurse First Assist position is part of the Medical Center East (MCE) OR Team 1, specifically within the 11 OR suites of the North Tower on the third floor of Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The role involves assisting the surgeon in operative procedures, initiating appropriate intraoperative behaviors, and applying knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative technique. Key responsibilities also include conducting pre-operative patient assessments and family education, and maintaining a sterile environment. The MCE OR unit is described as fast-paced, flexible, and team-oriented, focusing on providing excellent surgical care for a diverse patient population. It serves as a location for a wide variety of surgical procedures, including sinus, otolaryngology (e.g., cochlear implants, BAHA ear procedures, voice box regeneration/repairs, acoustic neuroma cases with neurosurgery), ophthalmology, airway/voice, sleep apnea, oral/maxillofacial, robotics, head and neck surgery (including complex flap cases for cancer reconstruction), reconstructive and cosmetic plastics, gender-affirming surgeries, oncology, and podiatry. The team also staffs bronchoscopy and pulmonary intervention procedures in the main OR area.

Requirements

Demonstrates ability to integrate evidence from multiple sources and determine if a practice change should occur (Evidence-Based Practice - Intermediate).
Demonstrates mastery of patient assessments and evaluations in practical applications of a difficult nature (Nursing Patient Assessment & Evaluation - Intermediate).
Conducts primary care patient interviews and physical examinations.
Conducts inquiry with a thorough series of questions when patients state an ailment or complaint in order to accurately identify and elaborate on the problem.
Demonstrates ability to anticipate and plan for complex resource needs, identify discrete tasks, set priorities, schedule activities, meet deadlines, and organize work (Care Planning - Intermediate).
Collaborates with members of the health care team to identify desired outcomes.
Anticipates problems and obstacles before they arise.
Able to adapt changes to patient care and area needs with minimal loss of disruption and loss of productivity.
Develops creative ideas and takes innovative action to achieve planned goals and objectives.
Possesses sufficient fundamental proficiency in providing patient education in practical applications of moderate difficulty (Nursing Patient Education - Novice).
Demonstrates mastery of operating room care in practical applications of a difficult nature (Operating Room Care - Intermediate).
Possesses sufficient knowledge, training, and experience to be capable of successfully delivering operating room care services without requiring support and instruction from others.
Able to train and educate by setting the example, giving technical instruction, providing leadership, and generally raising the level of performance of others while on the job.
LIC-Registered Nurse - Licensure-Others
3 years of Relevant Work Experience
Graduate of an approved discipline specific program

Responsibilities

Assists the surgeon in the operative procedure.
Initiates appropriate intra operative behaviors unique to first assisting.
Applies knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative technique relative to operative procedures.
Conducts pre-operative assessment of patient needs, and family education.
Maintains a sterile environment.
Applies the nursing process in all facets of the nurse assistant role.
Provides technical first assistance to the primary surgeon in the operating room and throughout the perioperative period.
Analyzes comprehensive information pertinent to the patient's care and management to determine nursing diagnosis.
Continually utilizes the nursing process to evaluate patient's progress towards goals and applies appropriate interventions to ensure effective outcomes.
Employs strategies to promote health and a safe and healthy environment.