Job Title: PRN Specialty Clinic/Circulating RN

Location: Johnson County Hospital, Tecumseh, Nebraska

Department: Nursing

Reports To: OR Director

Job Summary: The Circulating and Specialty Clinic RN is responsible for both direct and indirect patient care in the peri-operative environment. This includes evaluation of patient pre-op, continued evaluation and assistance in patient care with the surgeon and other sterile personal intra-op, and the assessments and interventions necessary for patient care in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). Intra-op, the Circulating nurse is responsible for having necessary equipment and medication ready and in the OR. They are also responsible for patient positioning and sterilization of patient/incision site prior to the procedure.

Schedule: Hours will vary depending on surgery and clinic schedule.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Knows and adheres to the policies of the Johnson County Hospital and demonstrates fiscal responsibility.
• Follows nursing care policies, procedures, goals, and objectives according to accepted standards.
• Is vocal and adamant about patient advocacy in the OR.
• Ensures that the surgical room is sterile and safe for the patient.
• Works side by side with surgical tech to help maintain the sterile field n the operating room.
• Must have strong attention to detail and physical stamina to handle long, arduous work hours.
• Assess the patient's condition before a surgical procedure.
• Assesses the needs of the patient during the procedure to ensure the best outcome.
• Works with a physician to develop the care plan for the patient during the surgery.
• Continues to evaluate the patient's condition during the procedure and make necessary changes to the care plan.
• Ensures that the sterile filed in on compromised during the procedure.
• Keeps the surgical area clean and organized for the surgical tech and the physician; removes instruments and sponges as they are used during the procedure.
• Organizes the prepare medical records of patients. Documents care appropriately and thoroughly. Also follows up on missing data and other patient care needs.
• Remains calm and functions as a team member during stressful and crisis situations.
• Seeks involvement in activities that promote professional growth and behavior.
• Actively participates in appropriate committees as assigned.
• Follows OSHA and other standards for protection against blood-borne pathogens.
• Uses good body mechanics for lifting, positioning, and transferring patients.
• Informs management of applicable day-to-day situations.
• Follows employee health and other personnel and staffing policies.
• Assist CRNA with intubation.
• Strong communication skills to communicate with surgeons and the OR team.

Qualifications and Skills:

• Strong communication skills
• Prioritization of patient care and other nursing duties
• Knowledge of aseptic technique and sterile fields
• Assessment and interventions of adverse affects of anesthesia, including but not limited to; Malignant Hyperthermia.
• Able to perform all duties of a circulating RN, as well as the base knowledge and understanding of other positions in the OR so that they may assist Surgical Technologist personnel with their responsibilities.
• Knowledge of completing counts of narcotics at beginning and end of all shifts with another RN, per hospital policy.
• Basic understanding of sterile processing and a willingness to assist with sterilization of instruments and items needed.
• Knowledge of medication administration and dilution of medication prior to administration, as needed.
• Knowledge and capability to chart and record patient care in an efficient and timely manner.
• Teamwork and delegation skills.
• Adheres to dress code, appearance is neat and clean.
• Completes annual education requirements.
• Maintains regulatory requirements as required by federal and state law, and regulatory nursing bodies.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times in accordance with HIPAA.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• Wears identification while on duty, uses computerized punch time system correctly.
• Completes in-services and returns in a timely fashion.
• Attends annual review and department in-services, as scheduled.
• Attends at least annual competency, reads and returns all monthly staff meeting minutes.
• Represents the organization in a positive and professional manner.
• Actively participates in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement (CQI) activities.
• Complies with all organizational policies regarding ethical business practices.
• Communicates the mission, ethics and goals of the facility, as well as the focus statement of the department.
• Graduate of an accredited Nursing Program.
• Understanding of medical terminology.
• Currently registered as a RN in Nebraska/Compact Licensing State.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) as well as current Acute Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) & Pediatric Advance Life Support (PALS). If ACLS or PALS certification is not current, successful completion of ACLS & PALS certification required within 90 days of employment start.

Why Join Us?

At Johnson County Hospital, we value our team and foster a supportive environment where you can thrive. Join us to make a difference in the lives of our patients and their families.