RN Clinical (OR) - Surgery - Full Time 12 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Union)

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The Registered Nurse is an integral member of the interdisciplinary team and uses the nursing process to provide therapeutic care to a specific patient population. In the perioperative setting, the nurse designs, coordinates, and delivers care that meets patients’ identified needs throughout the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases. The nurse applies knowledge of surgical procedures and the patient’s intraoperative experience across the continuum of care, assessing, diagnosing, planning, intervening, and evaluating outcomes against standards of care. Care addresses the physiological, psychological, sociocultural, and spiritual effects of surgery. Perioperative nursing activities include peer education and patient and family teaching; support, reassurance, and advocacy; environmental control; efficient resource provision; asepsis; monitoring physiological and psychological status; managing aggregate patient needs; supervising ancillary personnel; exploring preoperative needs; validating current and future practices; and coordinating care across settings and disciplines through collaboration and consultation. The role includes maintaining patient safety and standards of practice, preparing operating rooms and equipment, supporting surgical procedures, documenting care and related records, communicating with staff, and participating in professional practice and quality-improvement activities. The position is full-time, with 12-hour day shifts, at Keck Hospital of USC.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN); nurses hired before December 2019 are grandfathered from the BSN requirement.
At least one year of operating-room nursing experience in an acute-care setting immediately before application.
Excellent communication skills, including proficient spoken, written, and reading English.
Knowledge of medical procedures and conditions and ability to understand, follow, and perform assigned duties in accordance with administrative and clinical policies, regulations, and procedures, including whole blood collection and apheresis procedures.
Valid California Registered Nurse license issued by the California Board of Registered Nursing.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certification from the American Heart Association.
LA City Fire Life Safety Training; if not held at hire, it must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained through renewal before expiration. Required within LA City only.

Nice To Haves

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Healthcare Provider certification from the American Heart Association.

Responsibilities

Adhere to Universal Patient Safety Goals and medication-labeling safety standards, including labeling medications on and off the sterile field.
Apply scientific knowledge and the nursing process to formulate care plans and provide direct and indirect patient care.
Perform nursing skills and delegate tasks according to others’ scope of practice, preparation, and capability.
Evaluate care effectiveness, interpret observations and information, and modify the plan of care as needed.
Advocate for patients by initiating actions that advance the plan of care and supporting change decisions.
Ensure electrical, laser, radiology, and intraoperative MRI safety; follow correct-site surgery and surgical time-out standards under the Universal Protocol.
Operate autoclave and Steris equipment correctly and complete appropriate documentation.
Communicate with staff using SBAR during handoffs and regarding patient care and patient flow.
Document patient charges, implant records, pathology specimens, and preoperative records accurately and promptly.
Use the Cerner system accurately and update preference cards as needed.
Follow policies for instrument, sponge, and sharps counts.
Practice according to USCUH collaboration principles and demonstrate respectful teamwork and delegation.
Follow applicable policies, Title 22, and Joint Commission (JCAHO) standards.
Participate in professional-practice development, including nursing committees, research, policy development and review, and unit-based improvement projects.
Maintain knowledge of current policies and share awareness of new trends and technology.
Apply knowledge of surgical anatomy and procedures when preparing equipment, supplies, and instruments for assigned procedures.
Maintain specialty carts, keeping supplies at par levels, organized, clean, and current; serve as a resource to assigned staff for the specialty cart.
Organize and prepare surgical suites daily, including the operating room, run room, hallway, and carts.
Facilitate smooth surgical interventions by preparing for procedures, maintaining updated preference cards, and knowing the required instruments and equipment.
Participate in hospital-wide and departmental performance-improvement activities.
Perform other related duties as assigned.