RN - Surgery

Group Health Centre•Sault Ste. Marie, ON

2d•CA$38 - CA$51•Onsite

About The Position

The Registered Nurse (RN) Surgery is a key clinical professional within the ambulatory surgical program, responsible for delivering safe, evidence-based nursing care across the full perioperative continuum. The RN supports patients undergoing minor surgical procedures, endoscopy and scope-based interventions, and other specialty procedures, and provides comprehensive preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. The RN uses advanced assessment skills, critical thinking, and clinical judgment to monitor patients, assist surgeons during procedures, administer medications (including conscious sedation and IV therapy), and ensure optimal recovery outcomes. The RN also serves as a resource to RPNs, clerical personnel, students, and interdisciplinary partners, supporting workflow coordination, standardized processes, equipment management, documentation, and patient education.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) or equivalent nursing degree
Registered Nurse with a valid Certification of Registration in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO)
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
Strong clinical knowledge of surgical procedures (ie: endoscopy, minor procedures) recovery processes, and patient assessment.
Demonstrated ability to care for patients under conscious sedation, with competency in IV therapy and medication administration.
Well-versed in infection control standards and PPE protocols required in surgical and clinical settings.
Proficiency with EMR systems (e.g., Epic), ensuring accurate documentation in line with best practices and patient care standards.
Ability to assess and respond to emergency situations with calm, critical thinking and a therapeutic approach.
Excellent communication skills to effectively engage with patients, families, and interdisciplinary team members.
Proven ability to build positive relationships with patients, families, and healthcare professionals, promoting collaboration and trust.
Familiarity with PHIPA, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of patient information.
Ability to work independently while being an active and integrated member of the multidisciplinary surgical team.
Demonstrated ability living the values of GHC.

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive patient assessments including medical history, medications, allergies, risk factors, and procedure readiness.
Review and update EMR records, health maintenance requirements, and screening needs prior to patient visits.
Provide preoperative teaching on preparation, sedation expectations, aftercare, and follow-up appointments.
Confirm consent, verify patient identity, and ensure all pre-procedure safety checks and standardized surgical workflows are followed.
Prepare procedure rooms, equipment, instruments, and supplies based on surgeon preferences and procedural requirements.
Works as an embedded member of the primary care team, liaising with Physicians and Nurse Practitioners.
Determine which patients should be referred back to their primary care provider for follow-up and care planning.
Provide recommendations following assessment to guide next steps, referrals, and interventions.
Communicate directly with care teams and community partners to ensure implementation of care plans and facilitate collaboration across care settings.
Support surgeons during procedures such as vasectomies, lumps & bumps/excisions, cyst removals, biopsies, and endoscopy/scope procedures.
Maintain sterile technique and aseptic practices throughout the surgical process.
Monitor patient status, vital signs, sedation level, and overall tolerance during procedures; document assessments in real time.
Assist with specimen labeling and processing, equipment operation, and procedural documentation.
Collaborate and provide resource support to RPNs during clinical procedures.
Conduct telephone triage, symptom review, and urgent call response using established protocols and clinical judgment.
Support drop-in patient assessment, identifying red-flag symptoms and initiating appropriate action (e.g., immediate surgeon notification, ED referral).
Support smooth patient flow, clinic efficiency, and operational readiness across the surgical department.
Administer preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative medications safely and accurately.
Provide IV therapy, conscious sedation monitoring, and medication education to patients.
Monitor for medication reactions, adverse effects, and sedation-related complications.
Ensure correct documentation, reconciliation, and compliance with organizational policies and CNO standards.
Adhere strictly to infection prevention and control practices, including sterile technique, PPE requirements, and environmental cleaning.
Participate in room turnover, equipment reprocessing workflows, and maintenance of emergency equipment (e.g., AED, oxygen, suction).
Contribute to safety drills, hazard reporting, and adherence to all organizational safety policies.
Document patient assessments, procedural notes, interventions, and communications accurately and promptly in EMR (Epic).
Participate in chart audits, quality initiatives, patient outcome tracking, and workflow improvements.
Ensure compliance with PHIPA, patient confidentiality, and organizational documentation standards.
Support continuous improvement by identifying workflow gaps, suggesting solutions, and participating in implementation activities.
Serve as a clinical resource to RPNs, new staff, learners, and clerical team members.
Collaborate effectively with surgeons, clerical staff, and external providers to ensure seamless care.
Demonstrate organizational values, professionalism, and a commitment to best practices in nursing.
Engage in ongoing professional development, maintaining required certifications and competencies.