Perioperative RN

About us : For the past 85 years, Stephens County Hospital has been a trusted name in the community, striving for excellence and delivering professional and compassionate care. Our dedicated staff of approximately 475 employees has a heart for healthcare and realizes how precious the gift of good health can be.

Stephens County Hospital is a 96-bed acute care hospital located in Toccoa, Georgia. We are nestled in the beautiful foothills of Northeast Georgia where our family-oriented community offers many cultural and civic opportunities as well as numerous outdoor activities.

Stephens County Hospital is a member of the Georgia Hospital Association, American Hospital Association and Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals. Stephens County Hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission, the nation's premier healthcare monitoring agency.

Perioperative RN - Full Time - Day Shift with call required

The Perioperative Staff Nurse is responsible for direct and indirect nursing care and the directing of other nursing care providers.

Education :

Graduate of an approved diploma, associate or bachelor nursing program

Licensure / Certification :

BLS certification to be obtained within first month of employment.

Current Georgia License as a Registered Nurse.

The Perioperative Staff Nurse provides care to patients of the indicated ages :

Infants (Newborn to One Year) Adolescent (Ten to 18 Years)

Toddlers (Two to Four Years) Adult (19 to 69 Years)

Child (Five to Nine Years) Geriatric (70 and Above)

Duties and Responsibilities :

• Utilizes cephalo-caudal approach to physical assessment.
• Develops assessments to include : Nutritional Screening, Fall / Risk, Functional, Pain, Skin Integrity, Cultural / Spiritual, Psycho-social, DVT Risk, Suicide, and Pneumococcal / Flu.
• Identifies complex problems in the assessment and initiates the plan of care utilizing nursing problems when appropriate.
• Notifies physician and charge nurse of any pertinent assessment findings.
• Reviews and updates plan of care to reflect changes in patient status.
• Notifies surgeon, anesthesia and charge nurse of any pertinent physical or emotional findings.
• Reassesses patient morning of surgery utilizing cepho-caudal approach.
• Demonstrates competency in clinical skills and knowledge pertinent to the practice and education of the Registered Nurse.
• Implements the physician's orders promptly and appropriately with understanding of the purpose of each as it relates to the patient's plan of care.
• Monitors the patient's condition and maintains accurate documentation (vital signs, alertness, mobility, condition of wound or operative site, etc.).
• Reports abnormalities or instability of the patient's condition in a timely manner to appropriate persons (charge nurse, physician, director, administrative supervisor, CARE Team).
• Ensures readiness of chart for procedure or surgery (pre-op checklist, lab, EKG, x-ray and documentation in the nurse's notes).
• Responsible with assistance of patient and / or family for surgery site marking by provider if applicable.
• Coordinates the care and preparation of patients for procedures, treatments or surgery (proper prep, dress and premedication).
• Assesses the patient upon return from surgery or other procedures and documents findings in the patient care profile.
• Performs verification (time out) prior to invasive procedures as designated by policy.
• Responds appropriately and timely to clinical alarms (IV pumps, monitor alarms, bed alarms, etc.).
• Implements Pain Management program.
• Performs and documents hourly rounding, or as appropriate for unit.
• Ensures the patient's hygienic needs are met (AM care, PM care, toileting, etc.).
• Implements and monitors restraint use per policy.
• Consults other disciplines as indicated by assessment findings.
• Administers emergency resuscitation of patients in cardiac arrest.
• Implements and maintains standard or high fall risk precautions as indicated.
• Confirms two patient identifiers (name, date of birth and / or hospital number) when providing care and specimen collection etc.).
• Administers medications in a safe, timely manner and correctly documents their administration.
• Utilizes two patient identifiers before giving medication : patient name band, patient hospital number
• Records the patient's response to the medications in the patient care profile when appropriate.
• Uses 5 "R"s for administering medications.
• Demonstrates knowledge of drugs used.
• Identifies and reports adverse drug reactions per policy.
• Demonstrates proper use of pyxis : resolves all discrepancies before end of shift, utilizes override feature in appropriate situations
• Performs venipuncture per policy.
• Maintains and accesses central lines / PICC's.
• Administers blood products.
• Checks and documents status of IV / INT per department policy.
• Demonstrates proper use of IV equipment.
• Adheres to medication reconciliation policy.
• Adheres to principles of medication security.
• Obtains narcotics from PYXIS / Pharmacy and documents administration and wastes per policy.
• Assesses / monitors PCA patients per policy.
• Gathers information pertinent to the medication(s) ordered : actions, purpose, normal dosage and route, common side effects, time of onset and peak action, nursing implications.
• Performs real-time documentation.
• Conforms to department documentation standards.
• Reports and records pertinent information related to nursing plan of care.
• Demonstrates proficient use of computer and adheres to departmental policy.
• Records accurately in the medical record nursing actions : reflect care given to the patient, observations made about the patient, patient's response to treatment or medications, restraints, pain management.
• Complies with "Do Not Use Abbreviations".
• Repeats and verifies all verbal / phone orders and test results.
• Provides the patient with an explanation of his / her condition and written information when possible.
• Participates in pre and post-operative teaching of surgical patients.
• Includes family and / or significant others in health teaching when possible.
• Plans with the patient, family and / or significant other for discharge.
• Reviews home care instructions with patient or responsible party and documents same in the patient care profile / discharge form.
• Initiates consultation with other health care professionals.
• Extends courtesy and demonstrates cooperation while communicating with others.
• Gives a concise, pertinent report to the oncoming nurse at the change of shifts.
• Utilizes effective communication skills with patients, families, Charge Nurse, Medical Staff, Director, Administrative Supervisor, peers and co-workers in a pleasant positive manner.
• Accepts suggestions and criticisms and whenever necessary undertakes to change personal behavior or seek further guidance.
• Delivers hand off communication when care provided or level / location of care changes.
• Effectively leads and directs activities of others in a positive manner.
• Assumes relief charge nurse, team leader or patient care responsibilities as necessary.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability rotating to another shift or unit when need arises.
• Supports the philosophy, policies and procedures of the Division of Nursing.
• Assumes responsibility for completeness and quality of nursing care provided by his / her team members.
• Demonstrates skill in supervising subordinates in performing their duties.
• Makes appropriate staff assignments.
• Acts as liaison between physicians, patients, visitors and staff.
• Demonstrates ability to make prompt decisions based on sound judgement.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills.
• Assumes responsibility for completeness and quality of nursing care provided by staff assigned to the unit.
• Uses physician preference cards and follows prescribed procedures.
• Controls verbal and tactile stimuli to patient and assists anesthetist as appropriate during induction of anesthesia.
• Does surgical prepping according to policy and procedure and documents appropriately on OR nurses notes.
• Initiates "Time Out Verification" for correct patient, correct procedure and correct site.
• Applies proper principles for patient positioning.
• Anticipates needs of the patient, providing for patient safety and comfort, adjusting physical environment to meet need.
• Anticipates needs of the scrub nurse and surgical team.
• Has equipment assembled and ready for use in each case.
• Provides for accurate care and handling of specimens and cultures with labeling and documentation in OR nurses notes.
• Directs and assists in accounting for all sponges, needles and instruments according to policy and documentation in OR nurses notes.
• Verbally reports to Perioperative Supervisor needed repairs; never allows unsafe equipment to be used.
• Assists and directs team members in correct use and precaution in handling surgical equipment and instruments.
• Demonstrates interest in cost containment.
• Demonstrates principles of aseptic technique aided by knowledge of microbiology.
• Assists and directs in maintaining aseptic technique. Appropriately corrects other members of the surgical team.
• Applies principles of sterilization methods as necessary.
• Is able to relate from on operative procedure to another.
• Adapts to emergency situation with skill and speed.
• Ensures labeling of all medication / solutions not in original container.
• Uses correct scrubbing technique.
• Uses correct gowning and gloving technique of self and other members of surgical team.
• Knows functions and names of instruments in relation to procedure.
• Knows principles for draping technique and assist in prepping and draping of the patient as necessary.
• Knows proper usage of suture material and is conservative.
• Maintains accurate care and handling of specimens and cultures.
• Improvises as necessary.
• Anticipates needs of surgeon.
• Assists surgeon as scrub nurse.
• Maintains aseptic technique.
• Corrects count of needles, sponges and instruments with the circulating nurse.
• Positions patient.
• Removes drape and applies dressings.
• Participates in Nursing Service Quality Improvement activities in evaluating patient care (QI studies, monthly monitoring, etc.).
• Participates in the orientation process of new employees.
• Possesses certification in ACLS, PALS, NALS or area of practice.
• Utilizes universal precautions in all aspects of work practice.
• Initiates appropriate isolation procedures.
• Maintains knowledge of multi drug resistant organisms and measures to be initiated.
• Remains in compliance with hospital Hand Hygiene Policy.
• Reports staff deficits related to compliance with Infection Control practice (non-compliance with hand washing, isolation procedures, maximum barrier precautions.)
• Complies with maximum barrier precautions during central line insertions.
• Complies with policies regarding vascular lines (dressing changes, appropriate insertion techniques.)
• Inserts Foleys using sterile technique.
• Maintains knowledge of hospital acquired infection rate and measures being taken to decrease incidence.
• Teaches patients and families regarding infection prevention and transmission.
• Administers antibiotics timely specifically related to SCIP, community acquired pneumonia and CAUTI measures.
• Assures timely collection of patient cultures.
• Cleans equipment appropriately between patient and / or staff use.

AGE SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES

Infant (Newborn-One Year)

Toddler (2 to 4 Years)

Child (5 to 9 Years)

Adolescent (10 to 18 Years)

Adult (19 to 69)

Geriatric (70 Years and Older)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Non-Essential Functions

Professional Requirements

Physical Requirements and Environmental Conditions :

Stephens County Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, pregnancy, marital status, national origin, citizenship status, disability, military status, sexual orientation, genetic predisposition, carrier status or any other legally protected status.