Summary
The RN Circulator manages all the necessary care inside the surgery room, assisting the team in maintaining and creating a comfortable, safe environment for the patient and observing the team from a wide perspective. He or she must ensure all surgical team members perform in a unified effort. During the operation the circulating nurse advocates for the patient while they are sedated or anesthetized. An effective circulating nurse possesses the knowledge, skills, and training to carry out circulating duties during surgery. By using sound judgment, interpersonal communication skills and critical thinking skills, the circulating nurse can check and evaluate the patient's needs, ensuring positive outcome and to make sure the patient gets the highest standard of care.
Job Duties
The essential functions of this job are as follows;
- Exercises good judgment.
- Sets and meets individual / professional goals.
- Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate at various levels.
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment are a must.
- Attention to detail, organization, and prioritization.
- Participates in the control of cost effective services that reflect proper use of equipment, appropriate use of supplies, and effective management of patient care.
- Welcomes and mentors new employees.
- Willingness to work with team member outside of the surgical services department if needed.
- Respects the privacy and dignity of everyone.
- Is courteous and friendly, uses a quiet, respectful tone when speaking
- Advocates for patients and family members.
- Explains procedure to patient to ensure understanding.
- Answers any questions patient / family member may have, utilizing resources as needed.
- Anticipates patient's needs.
- Initiates and maintains patient care plan to reflect current patient needs utilizing EMR.
- Demonstrates effective interviewing and assessment skills and integrates new or current techniques to obtain physical / psycho-social information from the patient / family to plan, implement and evaluate patient care through the nursing process.
- Assists anesthesia personnel with induction of anesthesia as needed.
- Participates in "Safe Site" and "Safe Account" in every procedure and effectively performs "Time Out".
- Positions and preps patient for surgical procedure.
- Performs other nursing duties during procedure as requested by CRNA or Surgeon.
- Meet needs and expectations of surgical team.
- Completes appropriate paperwork / EMR for each procedure in a timely manner.
- Cares for specimens properly.
- Assists in end of procedure activities (i.e., dressing, patient transfer, room cleaning).
- Ensures case is posted on paper chart
- Uses protective clothing / gear as necessary.
- Works to resolve risk / safety / Quality issues.
- Reports safety hazards, accidents incidents promptly.
- Actively works to reduce errors.
- Actively asks questions when need arises.
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Employee will comply with all Mille Lacs Health System (MLHS) policies, including safety policies, procedures, and rules. All will be expected to report unsafe conditions to a member of management.
Required Education and Experience
Graduate from an accredited school of nursing with current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Minnesota.Knowledge of nursing principles, policies, procedures and medical ethics equivalent to years of experience.Circulating experience required, completion of Periop 101 course may be considered in lieu of circulating experience.1-2years operating room experience required.Hospital experience preferred.Excellent communication skills at various levels.Computer skills including Microsoft Word.Required Certifications : Basic Life Support and ACLS.Preferred Certifications : PALSJob Posted by ApplicantPro