Registered Nurse-Operating Room-NTE

This position will serve as part of the El Paso VAHCS and William Beaumont Army Medical Center (WBAMC) Surgical Expansion pilot to expand WBAMC surgical services to VA beneficiaries to include increased capabilities in Orthopedic, General Surgery, and Neurosurgery clinics and operative procedures. Demonstrates integration of biopsychosocial concepts, cognitive skills, and technically competent practice while providing care to clients.

The Perioperative Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse (RN) is accountable for patient outcomes resulting from the nursing care for the patient undergoing a surgical/ invasive procedure.

EPVAHCS/ WBAMC Surgical Expansion Pilot Duties:

Provides specialized perioperative nursing care based on Standards of Care/Practice to patients who are undergoing procedures ranging from complex to routine procedures including but not limited to general surgery, orthopedic surgery, spinal surgery and neurosurgery.

Regularly encounters patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA I, ASA II, ASA III, and ASA IV patients) providing surgical services due to emergency situations or as arranged by surgeons. Performs duties encompassing preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative phases. Manages a wide range of surgical procedures from simple General Surgery to complex Orthopedics and Advanced Robotic Procedures.

Assesses patient’s physiological and psychosocial status to formulate a perioperative nursing care plan to include developing goals based upon nursing diagnosis and desired patient outcomes to use before, during and after surgery. Identifies nursing care problems and documents the problem, its management and the resolution. Uses WBAMC Team Strategies & Tools to Enhance Performance & Patient Safety (TeamSTEPPS) to enhance patient advocacy, communication and teamwork dynamics.

Provides support to Same Day Surgery (SDS) in preparation of the surgical patient by communicating with the Operating Room (OR), Anesthesia, Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and surgical staff. Updates patient’s surgeon and family members as required. Provides support to ancillary departments and their providers functioning within the operating rooms suite by coordinating, documenting, and carrying out patient care. Evaluates the effectiveness of the patient’s plan and/or care required and independently responds to the surgical provider and team when deviations occur.

Uses scientific aseptic principles and practices in perioperative nursing to provide comprehensive preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative professional nursing care. Inspects all equipment and instrumentation in accordance with National and Local policies governing high level disinfection and sterility; takes corrective action and reports deviations to. Verifies completion of patient’s preoperative care (antibiotic therapy, insertion of invasive lines, integumentary preparation, laboratory results, and appropriate medical‑legal documents).

Provides information on disease process, surgical procedures and pre and post‑operative care, health maintenance and illness prevention to patient and significant other.

Manages care of patients for a wide range of procedures of an advanced nature and difficulty where there is a high susceptibility for infection and bodily functions are mechanically assisted by life support equipment. Provides intraoperative care to patients to meet their physical and psychological needs including helping to transport, lift, move, and position the patient. Initiates emergency action and performs Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as required.

Administers medication to patients per physician orders. Performs duty as circulator and if required, those of a scrub person during surgical procedures. Confers with surgeons concerning instruments, sutures, prosthesis and special equipment. Maintains aseptic techniques, accurate counts and adequacy of supplies during surgical procedures. Labels and assures proper disposition of surgical specimens. Completes perioperative documentation to reflect nursing care plan, implementation and results of care.

Ensures quality assurance and risk management.…