Surgical Facilitator .9 FTE

SCHEDULE

FTE: .9

The Surgery Department is looking to add a second facilitator role to OR operations. This role would work with the orthopedic and podiatry specialties working with vendors, surgeons and scheduling.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

Serves as the primary point of contact within the Surgery Department for the surgeon, anesthesia, staff, leadership, and vendors for assigned surgical specialty. Assures there are clear lines of communication established for all key stakeholders for assigned surgical specialty. Maintains appropriate supplies and equipment needed for surgical specialty within assigned budget. Follows up with vendors on outdated, recalled, or malfunctioning supplies and equipment and communicates findings to stakeholders.  Collaborates and consults with leadership, Unit Based Educator (UBE) and staff to assess, plan, develop, implement, and evaluate ongoing educational strategies for onboarding new equipment, procedures and instruments for new and current staff. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SURGICAL FACILITATOR:

1. Case Cards
   • Assures there are current and accurate case cards for assigned surgical specialties.
   • Assures case cards remain current in the electronic system.
   • Timely and effectively communicates changes regarding cases cards to the surgical team.
   • Communicates effectively and routinely with assigned surgeons regarding their case cards.
2. Supplies/Equipment
   • Assures all supplies and equipment are available and in good working order for respective scheduled specialty cases.
   • Proactively anticipates, plans, and coordinates obtaining needed supplies and equipment for future scheduled specialty cases.
   • Communicates with product vendors and reps regarding specialty surgical equipment and supply needs.
   • Works in collaboration with the Surgery Manager and/or Supervisor and surgical team to control supply and equipment costs.
   • Keeps the Surgery Manager and/or Supervisor informed of new equipment and supply requests from the surgeons, the surgical team, vendors, and reps.
   • Coordinates end user training and education with department-based educator regarding assigned surgical specialty procedures, equipment, and supplies. Assures assigned instruments and instrument trays remain current and additions or deletions of instruments are reflected on the respective case cards and are communicated to the surgical team.
3. Assessment and identification of issues and trends

•  Identifies staff education and competency assessment needs for new instruments, procedures and equipment and reports to the unit-based educator (UBE) and department leadership for development. 
• Collects data from a variety of sources including key stakeholders, staff, professional organizations, regulatory agencies, healthcare experts, chart audits, and evidence-based resources when identifying new surgical processes and procedures. 
  • Synthesizes data to identify patterns and variances with supply usage.

Validates identified needs and prioritizes them based on organizational mission and strategic plan. 

1. Assists the UBE with identification, implementation, and evaluation of initial and ongoing staff competency.

• Assists the UBE to guide processes for orientation utilizing a standardized staff onboarding model. 
• In coordination with the UBE helps to provide instruction and education through the use of simulation-based training.

1. Evaluates one’s own practice in relation to professional practice standards and guidelines, relevant statutes, rule, and regulations.  Contributes to the professional development of peers and colleagues and actively participates in teams and committees.

• Addresses issues or concerns with colleagues directly in a constructive manner with intervention from management as appropriate.
• Sharing knowledge and skills with peers and colleagues.
• Maintains compassionate and caring relationships with peers and colleagues contributing to a supportive and healthy work environment.

1. Registered Nurses maintain department specific competencies, roles, certifications, and responsibilities as outlined in the Registered Nurse job description. Surgical Technologists maintain department specific competencies, roles, certifications, and responsibilities as outlined in the Surgical Technologist job description. Surgical Assistant maintains department specific competencies, roles, certifications, and responsibilities as outlines in the Surgical Assistant job description.
2. Provides direct patient care in the department and takes call as routinely assigned by the department Manager and/or Supervisor.
3. Participates, recommends, and helps develop quality assessments in performance improvement initiatives in the department as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education, Experience, and Training 

• Must be a 0.8 FTE or more
• Three years of recent clinical experience in surgical specialty preferred
• Demonstrated competence in communication and quality improvement skills
• Ability to learn and successfully navigate computer systems
• Must be able to read, speak, and write fluent English
• Registered Nurse
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing preferred
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing and currently licensed to practice as a Registered Nurse in Iowa
• Maintains current Perioperative Nurse Certification (CNOR)

1. Physical Requirements

a. Sitting – Approximately 25% of shift.

b. Standing – Approximately 50% of shift.

c. Walking – Approximately 50% of shift.

d. Lifting – Infrequent. Approximately 35 pounds. Must use, and require staff to use, when in hospital and/or pre-hospital settings, proper body mechanics and ergonomics and as applicable, lifting/moving devices.

e. Twisting – Infrequent.

f. Bending – Moderate.

g. Squat/Kneel – Approximately 25% of shift.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

1. May come in contact with hazardous chemicals or treatment modalities.
2. The possibility exists of exposure to communicable disease due to working in a healthcare environment.
3. Involvement in patient care may result in unavoidable work-related illnesses.