CLINICAL NURSE I - STROGER PERIOPERATIVE SERVICES - OPERATING ROOM

Job Summary

The Operating Room Clinical Nurse I is specially trained to practice nursing during the Perioperative period. The dimensions of practice range from preoperative assessment to intra operative intervention to postoperative evaluation.

It is practice designed to meet a patient’s needs through the nursing process, ensuring continuity of care during the surgical experience.

Typical Duties Day of Surgery

Performs in scrub or circulating role.

Checks the following day’s assignments so as to be prepared in anatomy, the surgeon’s preference, and sequence of procedure.

If special instrumentation or prosthetics are requested, ensure they have arrived and familiar with usage

Attends report at scheduled time

Damp dusts operating room surfaces

Checks supplies against preference cards, obtaining any missing items

Ensures that required blood products are readily available in the Blood Bank

Opens sterile supplies with scrub staff

Performs initial baseline counts according to John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital (JSH) Policy and Procedures

Checks spotlights, connects suctions, and electrical equipment

Greets patients in Pre-Op area and receives hand-off communication from Pre-Op nurse; refers the Pre-Op admission policy;

assures patients are in operating room fifteen (15) minutes before scheduled start of surgery

Checks patient documentation preoperatively to ensure that chart is complete with : all appropriate consents signed, proper patient identification and verified with Pre-Op during hand off;

Labs / X-ray, etc. (refers to policy)

Assesses the physical and psychosocial needs of the patient; provides physical and emotional support, as needed; explains routines and procedures to patients, as needed

Assists patients in moving to the O.R. table; requests assistance if necessary for moving and / or positioning; secures safety belt

Keeps noise level to a minimum

Assures surgeon and assistant (if applicable) are present in the operating room before anesthesia begins; remains next to the patient during anesthesia induction;

assists anesthesiologist, as needed

Performs pre-induction and pre-incision time out, checks with surgical team and anesthesia staff

Assesses patient skin integrity on arrival to and prior to transfer from O.R.

Assists in positioning of the patient

Properly places grounding pad; refer to Electrosurgical Policy

Performs skin prep per departmental policy

Assists in gowning surgeons, assistants, etc.

Connects suction and electrosurgical unit

Pours medications on back table : ensures labels on all solutions and medications are to be checked by both scrub and circulating staff ensures expiration date is reviewed by both the scrub and circulating staff;

ensures Anesthesiologist is notified whenever Xylocaine, Cocaine, Neosynephrine, or other similar drugs are on the field

Maintains an ongoing assessment of supplies needed on the surgical field vs. supplies in the room

Ensures instrument, needle, and sponge counts are performed in the event of permanent relief of either the scrub or circulating staff

Contacts Holding area to call for the next scheduled case prior to closure of case in progress

Notifies Control Desk if room is running late and may delay the next scheduled surgery

Documents all supplies, implants and medications used during procedure

Remains in the operating room at all times unless properly relieved by another Registered Nurse (if case in progress mandates leaving OR to secure additional supplies, notifies scrub staff prior to exiting the room)

Prepares tape for dressings, gurney, and suction towards the end of procedure

Accurately performs and documents final sponge, needs, and instrument count with scrub staff according to JSH Policy

Cleans patient, applies dressings, and connects drains

Assists anesthesiologist (i.e., extubation)

Completes and documents all nursing interventions performed in the operating room

Transfers patient to gurney

End of Procedure

Cleans and stocks room

Ensures all sutures, and supplies are returned to their proper place

Returns furniture to its designated area

Returns equipment to its designated storage area

Ensures specimen(s) and slips have been transported to, and placed in, the specimen refrigerator

Assists in collecting equipment for workroom

Assists in cleaning of operating room

Completes documentation and submits to Main Operating Room Office

Signs out of Operating Room

Documents time next case is scheduled in the room

Performs special weekly assignments, as needed

Clinical Work Activities

Supports the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital, Department of Nursing Philosophy and goals

Assumes responsibility of individual clinical competence and continuing education

Participates in educational activities to increase competency

Acts as a role model / preceptor for staff, orientees, and students in collaboration with other nursing staff and the clinical instructor

Participates in staff nurse meetings, unit conferences, patient care conferences, etc., to coordinate nursing and medical management of patient care

Seeks involvement in committees and professional organizations

Provides care that demonstrates ethical beliefs and respect for patient rights

Incorporates current research into nursing practice

Supports research efforts conducted within the division / department

Contributes to the efficient management operation of the Perioperative area

Reporting Relationships Reports to the Nurse Coordinator II

Minimum Qualifications

Licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse in the State of Illinois (must provide proof at the time of interview)

One (1) year of Operating Room experience within the past six years OR Must provide proof of completing a Senior Synthesis or Capstone rotation in the Operating Room or Perioperative Services at time of interview

Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (must provide proof at the time of interview)

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelors of Science in Nursing from an accredited college or university

Two (2) years of Cardiothoracic OR experience in the scrub and circulating roles

Two (2) years of Neurosurgery OR experience in the scrub and circulating roles

Two (2) years of Vascular OR experience in the scrub and circulating roles

Two (2) years of Orthopedic OR experience in the scrub and circulating roles

One (1) year of OR robotics experience in the scrub and circulating roles

One (1) year of Operating Room nursing experience in the scrub and circulating roles

Certification in Perioperative nursing

Bilingual

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Demonstrates working knowledge of the current requirements of accrediting and regulatory agencies

Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills necessary to a variety of people from different socio-economic backgrounds

Strong emergency response skills

Strong customer service and empathy skills

Demonstrate analytical and organizational, problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict management / resolution skills

Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy and precision

Ability to resolve complex patient / administration problems and research issues

Ability to prioritize, plan, and organize projects and tasks

Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged

Ability to function autonomously and as a team member in a multidisciplinary team

Ability to see and hear clearly (including with correction)

Ability to tolerate exposure to unpleasant noise, odor and temperature

Ability to walk extensively, lift moderately heavy objects, and climb stairs

Ability to consistently push, pull, twist, turn, bend, kneel, stoop, lift and reach above shoulder and stand for prolonged periods of time.

Ability to make appropriate and timely decisions in a crisis or emergency situation

Ability to work and communicate effectively with a variety of individuals

Ability to perform and / or direct cardiopulmonary resuscitation activities

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements.

This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures : complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.

They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified.

Degrees awarded outside the United States with the exception of those awarded in one of the United States' territories and Canada must be credentialed by an approved U.

S. credential evaluation service belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE).

Original credentialing documents must be presented at time of interview.

• Please note all offers of Employment are contingent upon the following conditions : satisfactory professional & employment references, healthcare and criminal background checks, appropriate licensure / certifications and the successful completion of a physical and pre-employment drug screen.
• CCHHS is strictlyprohibitedfromconditioning,basingorknowinglyprejudicingoraffectinganytermoraspectofCountyemploymentorhiringuponorbecauseofanypoliticalreasonorfactor.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH AND HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER