Registered Nurse (RN) Operating Room

This position is a Registered Nurse role in the Operating Room, where you will provide comprehensive nursing care to patients undergoing surgical procedures. You will use the nursing process—assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation—to develop and execute individualized plans of care. You will collaborate closely with physicians and interdisciplinary team members to coordinate and implement procedures and treatments, while exercising clinical judgment and leadership in directing patient care activities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct patient interviews, explain policies and procedures, review patient charts, and answer questions courteously. Assess gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, respiratory, renal, and neurological health status. Determine mobility, sensory deficits, prostheses use, and skin condition, adjusting the plan of care as appropriate. Assess pain levels and pain management effectiveness. Communicate and document physiologic health status and plan of care.

• Assess patient psychosocial health status, including perception of medical and nursing care and expectations. Determine coping mechanisms, knowledge level, and ability to comprehend. Identify cultural and ethnic requirements to reduce anxiety and ensure patient satisfaction. Communicate and document psychological status and coordinate support groups, counseling services, and social services as needed.

• Develop patient outcome statements and establish individualized patient goals. Identify care activities and establish priorities necessary to achieve expected outcomes. Coordinate cost-effective use of supplies, equipment, and medication. Document the plan of care and collaborate with physicians and other health team members. Implement the plan of care while maintaining constant vigilance over patient safety, ensuring side rails are up, call lights and bedside stands are within reach, and other safety precautions are followed.

• Exercise professional skills related to the plan of care. Reassess patients as needed and revise the plan of care appropriately. Correctly administer prescribed treatments and use equipment necessary for patient care. Provide emotional support to patients and significant others. Apply scientific principles in performing procedures safely, timely, and efficiently. Make accurate observations of patient conditions during treatments and procedures, reporting and recording as appropriate. Maintain accurate documentation of patient treatment, activity, condition, and responses to medical and nursing interventions using appropriate departmental methods. Act rapidly and effectively during emergency situations. Provide a calm, quiet, restful atmosphere and communicate effectively with patients' families or caretakers.

• Participate in discharge planning and coordinate referrals as appropriate. Provide discharge instructions to patients and significant others. Evaluate care provided and measure effectiveness of care delivered. Perform variance analysis related to outcome data for performance improvement. Design, implement, and evaluate systems to improve care in the unit.

• Accurately interpret and implement treatment regimens as prescribed by the physician. Assist the physician during treatments and diagnostic procedures. Keep the Patient Care Manager and physician informed of changes in patient condition and treatments as appropriate. Use clinical judgment in delegating assignments and ensure they are completed in a timely fashion.

• Perform Grade I-IV decubitus care and preventive skin care measures. Apply simple dressings while maintaining aseptic technique principles. Apply warm and cold compresses consistent with facility procedure. Perform irrigations and other skin care procedures as necessary.

• Administer medications correctly and safely. Correctly identify medications in terms of action, dosage, side effects, and patient implications. Meet standards on medication administration examinations. Demonstrate preparation of local solutions. Administer and document medications correctly. Educate patients and significant others regarding drug and food interactions. Participate in patient and family education, providing explanations of patient conditions as indicated.

• Communicate assessment data in an orderly fashion by recording, updating, and verbalizing pertinent information to care team members and appropriate agencies. Recognize and utilize health teaching opportunities and available resources and materials. Provide for early discharge planning and appropriate referrals for post-hospital care. Evaluate the effectiveness of teaching through patient and family feedback and document results.

• Perform related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing
• Current License to practice as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State
• Specialized certifications as needed for the role

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN). If not currently held, you must be enrolled in an accredited BSN program within two years and obtain a BSN degree within five years of the job entry date.
• Minimum 1-2 years of Operating Room experience