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Position Summary: Addresses the psychosocial, physical and general aspects of care related to the surgical environment. Communicates with surgeon and anesthesiologist continuously and as needed about patient condition. Assists with the maintenance of surgical equipment and inventory. Assesses operating room for equipment functioning and readiness, obtains supplies for individual cases and ensures all appropriate needs of surgical operating team are met. Monitors, positions and assists patient during procedure. Responsibilities:

• Ensures the Pre-op Checklist is complete (History & Physical present, informed consent signed, test results present, surgical site identified, etc.) before the patient is taken into the surgical suite.
• Consistently provides patient explanations and verbal reassurances.
• Is consistently ready and prepared for assigned cases, ensuring patients are in the holding area 30 minutes before the scheduled time.
• Demonstrates knowledge of anesthetic drugs, actions, and side effects.
• Carries out established techniques for the safe administration of medications and fluids, per hospital policies and procedures.
• Protects patients' sensitivities and rights to privacy.
• Positions patients safely and pads/protects bony prominences.
• Preps and drapes patients correctly for all procedures.
• Carries out medical and surgical asepsis during all procedures.
• Directs and assists in the maintenance and handling of special equipment and instruments.
• Adapts nursing procedures to meet the treatment needs of individual pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Identifies physical symptoms and changes, taking appropriate actions promptly.
• Assessment and reassessment of the patient is clearly and concisely communicated in charting. Documentation meets current standards, policies, and procedures and is completed within the shift.
• Effectively communicates with the physician to account for all sponges, needles, and instruments during and after the procedure, documenting in the appropriate area.
• Communicates Clinical Laboratory/Imaging Services reports to the surgeon during the procedure.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationships with co-workers for the patient's benefit.
• Gives a thorough report of the patient's intra-operative condition to the PACU nurse.
• Is able to open sterile supplies and set up for the procedure.
• Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the location, care, and operation of all surgical equipment.
• Accurately records, handles, and labels specimens.
• Demonstrates competence in preparing and cleaning OR suites before and between cases and after the terminal case, based on the patient's infection class.
• Performs a time-out prior to the start of the surgical case.
• Revises the physician's preference cards and communicates changes to appropriate personnel.
• Will rotate with taking on-call.
• There will be situations where employees will have to stay late to complete a case.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current Registered Nurse licensure in the State of Texas.
• Minimum of one (1) year work experience in the operating room.

* BLS

* ACLS will need to be obtained 30 day from date of hire