Registered Nurse (RN) - Operating Room

This position is a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Operating Room, where you will provide comprehensive nursing care to patients using the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation. You will collaborate with physicians and other healthcare team members to coordinate and implement procedures and treatments, using clinical judgment and leadership skills to direct 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
• Assess pain levels and pain management needs; communicate and document physiologic health status and plan of care
• Assess patient's psychosocial health status, coping mechanisms, knowledge level, and ability to comprehend; identify cultural and ethnic requirements to reduce anxiety and ensure patient satisfaction
• Identify patient outcomes and develop criteria for measurement; identify actual and potential patient problems and teaching needs
• Develop individualized patient outcome statements and establish patient goals
• Identify care activities and establish priorities 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; ensure 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; report and record appropriately
• Keep accurate documentation of patient treatment, activity, condition, and responses to medical and nursing interventions
• Act rapidly and effectively during emergency situations; manage self, patients, and other employees
• Provide a calm, quiet, restful atmosphere and communicate effectively with patients' families or caretakers
• Participate in discharge planning and coordinate referrals; provide discharge instructions to patients and significant others
• Evaluate care provided and measure effectiveness; perform variance analysis related to outcome data for performance improvement
• Design, implement, and evaluate systems to improve care in the unit
• Collaborate with care team members in planning and carrying out treatment regimens; provide direction to team members
• Accurately interpret and implement treatment regimens prescribed by the physician; assist physicians during treatments and diagnostic procedures
• Keep the Patient Care Manager and physician informed of changes in patient condition and treatments
• Use clinical judgment in delegating assignments and ensure timely completion
• Perform decubitus care (Grade I-IV); perform preventive skin care measures
• Apply simple dressings using aseptic technique principles; apply warm and cold compresses
• Perform irrigations and other skin care procedures as necessary
• Administer medications correctly and safely; correctly identify medication action, dosage, side effects, and patient implications
• Meet standards on medication administration examinations; demonstrate preparation of local solutions
• Educate patients and significant others regarding drug and food interactions
• Participate in patient and family education; provide 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 early discharge planning and appropriate referrals for post-hospital care
• Evaluate teaching effectiveness 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing
• Enrollment in an accredited BSN program within two years of job entry date, with completion of BSN Degree within five years of job entry date
• Specialized certifications as needed for the role