Surgical Services RN- OR 36 hours/wk

Down East Community Hospital•Machias, ME

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Services Registered Nurse (RN) plays a crucial role in providing comprehensive, high-quality patient care throughout the perioperative continuum. This includes preoperative preparation, intraoperative assistance as a circulating and scrub nurse, and postoperative care in both Phase I and Phase II recovery. The RN must be able to anticipate patient and surgical team needs, ensure adherence to safety protocols, and effectively communicate with all members of the perioperative team. This role also includes participating in an on-call rotation to respond to urgent and emergency surgical cases outside of standard operating hours.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Maine
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (required)
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification (required for PACU, must be obtained within six months of hire)
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification (required for PACU, must be obtained within six months of hire)
Minimum of one year of experience in medical/surgical or perioperative nursing
Proficiency in basic computer kills and electronic medical records (EMR) documentation
Frequent lifting of up to 35 lbs independently and pushing/pulling up to 100 lbs using mechanical assistance
Extended periods of standing, walking, bending, and reaching
Manual dexterity and fine motor skills required to handle surgical instruments and equipment
Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, and chemicals (Category I risk level)
Requires flexibility in scheduling and the ability to work extended shifts as needed
Visual acuity correctable to 20/20. Color vision is necessary.
Normal hearing acuity
Exposure Category I: Employee at risk for exposure to blood borne pathogens.
Maintains current knowledge of the hospital-wide Quality Improvement Program.
Works with Director to implement appropriate quality improvements for the department.
Quality initiative projects and methods for initiating, testing, data collection, analysis, and reporting the effectiveness of the project.
Establishes indicators to monitor departmental service in response to complaints, identified problems, variances, sentinel events, or new services as well as patient outcome-oriented indicators for high volume and/or high-risk services.
Reports all Quality Improvement activities, measurements and results according to the established reporting structure.
Participates in the annual review of the Quality Improvement/Patient Safety Program.
Participates as a member of functional and/or process improvement team as appropriate to position or requested.
Provides Quality Improvement orientation, training, and continuing education for all departmental staff.
Involves all departmental staff members in the Quality Improvement Program’s plans and processes.
Is accountable for identification and mitigation of risks and hazards within the department.
Adheres to the federal, state, and local statutes and regulations.
Adheres to the Compliance Program policies and procedures of DECH/CCH.
Adheres to all Privacy and Security policies and procedures of DECH/CCH.
Communicates any concern related to compliance issues to manager of department or Compliance Officer.
Communicates any concern related to confidentiality issues to the Privacy Officer

Nice To Haves

Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification preferred

Responsibilities

Preoperative Responsibilities:
Conduct comprehensive patient assessments to evaluate readiness for surgery, including:
Reviewing medical history, current medications, allergies, and potential risk factors
Assessing baseline vital signs and overall health status
Establishing and maintaining IV access as per physician orders
Verify that all preoperative documentation is accurate and complete, including:
Surgical and anesthesia consents
History & Physical (H&P) reports
Relevant lab results and imaging studies
Provide patient education, explaining the surgical procedure, anesthesia plan, and postoperative expectations
Collaborate with the surgical team to address any concerns or last-minute changes in the surgical plan
Intraoperative Responsibilities:
Function as a Circulating Nurse, ensuring a safe and sterile surgical environment:
Position and prepare the patient according to surgical needs
Maintain accurate sponge, needle, and instrument counts to prevent retained surgical items
Monitor sterile field integrity and assist the surgical team as needed
Function as a Scrub Nurse, preparing and handling sterile instruments and supplies:
Anticipate surgeon’s needs and provide instruments efficiently
Ensure aseptic technique is maintained throughout the procedure
Enforce surgical safety measures, including:
Proper patient identification, time-out procedures, and correct site verification
Protection from thermal, electrical, and positioning-related injuries
Proper specimen collection, labeling, and handling
Assist in responding to emergencies intraoperatively, such as changes in patient condition, bleeding complications, or anesthesia-related issues
Postoperative Responsibilities (Phase I & Phase II Recovery):
Monitor patients in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) following surgical procedures and anesthesia administration
Assess airway patency, respiratory status, hemodynamic stability, and pain control
Recognize and respond promptly to post-anesthesia complications, such as nausea, respiratory distress, or delayed awakening
Administer appropriate pain medications, antiemetics, and fluids as per post-op orders
Provide emotional support and education to patients and their caregivers regarding post-surgical care, including:
Wound care instructions and activity restrictions
Pain management strategies
Follow-up appointments and discharge instructions
Ensure safe patient transfers to inpatient units or facilitate discharge home when criteria are met
Conduct postoperative call-backs to assess patient recovery and address any concerns
On-Call Responsibilities:
Participate in the surgical on-call rotation, responding to emergency surgical cases during evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays
Arrive promptly when called in and assist in emergency procedures, including trauma, urgent c-sections, and unplanned surgical interventions
Work efficiently under pressure, collaborating with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and other OR staff to ensure optimal patient outcomes
Additional Responsibilities
Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA regulations
Participate in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient safety and outcomes
Attend required training sessions, meetings, and continuing education programs to stay current on best practices in perioperative nursing
Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to enhance perioperative processes and efficiency
Ensure compliance with infection control policies, hospital protocols, and safety standards
Assist in mentoring and training new staff members or students as needed