What You’ll Do
Direct Patient Care & Clinical Responsibilities
- Provide professional, direct patient care in assigned areas of the Surgery Center
- Utilize the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, monitor, and adjust patient care plans as appropriate
- Continuously assess and monitor the physical and emotional status of patients and document findings per policy
- Verify patient identity using two identifiers and confirm correct patient, procedure, and physician using “ask, don’t tell”
- Review patient medical records to ensure continuity of care and communicate variances to the healthcare team
- Address patient needs specific to the anticipated procedure and type of anesthesia
- Verify and explain procedures, discuss the plan of care, and provide comfort and reassurance to patients
- Maintain patient privacy, dignity, and patient rights at all times
- Administer medications per physician orders and document appropriately
- Successfully start and manage peripheral IVs
- Monitor for and report abnormal findings or complications to the anesthesia provider and physician
- Participate in surgical timeouts and utilize the Safe Surgical Checklist
- Ensure appropriate and safe patient positioning throughout procedures
- Monitor patients during recovery from anesthesia
- Prepare patients for discharge, including:
- Reviewing discharge instructions
- Medication reconciliation
- Follow-up appointment instructions
- Confirm and document patient and responsible adult understanding of discharge instructions and indications for seeking emergent care
Procedural Support & Coordination
- Supervise and direct patient care in preprocedure, procedure, and postprocedure areas
- Work collaboratively with physicians, anesthesia providers, and the healthcare team to support the total endoscopy process
- Organize nursing activities, time, equipment, supplies, and personnel to provide efficient, cost-effective patient care
- Delegate activities appropriately based on staff skill level, scope of practice, and Center policies
- Assist with preparing assigned areas according to patient, physician, and procedure requirements
- Assemble and ensure availability of functioning equipment, supplies, and instruments
- Ensure sterilization and high-level disinfection of supplies and equipment per policy
- Handle and log tissue specimens accurately according to policy and procedure
- Maintain and update physician preference cards as needed
- Assist with supplies, medications, and equipment inventories
- Maintain order and cleanliness of preprocedure areas, procedure rooms, and PACU
Documentation, Compliance & Professional Practice
- Accurately interpret and follow physician orders per policy and procedures
- Document patient care accurately, legibly, and timely in the medical record
- Utilize proper aseptic and sterile techniques and monitor for breaks in sterile technique
- Demonstrate ongoing competency in patient assessment and appropriate interventions
- Assess fall risk and implement precautions per Center policy
- Use medical equipment correctly following manufacturer Instructions for Use
- Follow all Center policies, procedures, and accepted standards of nursing practice
Quality Assurance, Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Participate in the Center’s compliance program and adhere to accreditation and regulatory standards
- Support and actively participate in the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Program
- Proactively identify opportunities for quality, safety, and efficiency improvements
- Adhere to OSHA regulations and workplace safety standards
- Monitor the physical environment to ensure safety, comfort, cleanliness, and efficiency
- Monitor equipment care, cleaning, and maintenance to ensure proper working condition
- Report observed or suspected safety concerns, hazards, or noncompliance through proper channels
- Protect patient privacy and adhere to HIPAA regulations regarding Protected Health Information (PHI)
Teamwork, Communication & Professionalism
- Communicate patient care needs and significant information clearly to the healthcare team
- Collaborate with Center leadership on patient flow and staffing needs
- Interact with patients, families, and colleagues in a respectful, professional manner
- Participate in staff meetings, in-services, continuing education, and QAPI activities
- Maintain regular and predictable attendance
- Attend all required education
