Travel Nurse RN

Job Title: Operating Room (OR) Nurse

Job Summary:

The Operating Room (OR) Nurse, also known as a Perioperative Nurse, provides direct nursing care to patients undergoing surgery. They work as part of a multidisciplinary team in the operating room, ensuring a safe, sterile, and efficient environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Preoperative Care:
• Assess patients' medical histories, perform physical assessments, and ensure necessary tests are completed before surgery.
• Review surgical procedures and verify patient identity, surgical site, and critical information to prevent errors.
• Educate patients and families about the surgical procedure, potential risks, and postoperative care instructions.
• Prepare and assess surgical instruments and equipment to ensure sterility.
• Administer preoperative medications as ordered.
• Intraoperative Care:
• Assist the surgical team by providing sterile instruments, supplies, and equipment during the procedure.
• Monitor patients' vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature throughout the surgery.
• Ensure the operating room maintains a sterile field and all instruments are properly handled to prevent infection.
• Document all aspects of the surgery, including medications given, time of procedures, and any complications or changes.
• Assist with positioning patients on the operating table for comfort and proper access to the surgical site.
• Postoperative Care:
• Monitor patients as they recover from anesthesia, assessing vital signs, and ensuring stability before transfer to the recovery room or another care unit.
• Provide postoperative education to patients and families, including instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and signs of complications.
• Assist with managing postoperative pain, administering medications as prescribed.
• Communicate with the surgical team about any concerns or complications during the recovery phase.
• Ensure thorough documentation of post-anesthesia care.
• Collaboration and Communication:
• Work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical technologists, and other nursing staff to provide seamless care.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with patients, families, and the surgical team to ensure informed progress and needs.
• Participate in patient hand-offs, ensuring all relevant information is communicated during shift changes.
• Infection Control and Safety:
• Adhere to strict infection control practices, ensuring all equipment and surgical instruments are properly sterilized.
• Follow proper safety protocols, including maintaining a sterile field, handling sharps, and assisting with positioning and monitoring during surgery.
• Ensure the operating room environment complies with hospital policies and regulatory standards to reduce the risk of infection or injury.
• Emergency Response and Crisis Management:
• Remain prepared for emergencies, such as patient complications during surgery or unexpected changes in the patient's condition.
• Provide immediate care in the event of a medical emergency and coordinate with the surgical team for quick resolution.
• Professional Development:
• Stay current with best practices, new surgical techniques, and advances in perioperative nursing care through continuing education.
• Participate in workshops, conferences, and training opportunities to maintain and enhance clinical skills.
• Mentor and train new nurses or nursing students in the operating room environment.

Qualifications:

• Education:
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred; Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required.
• Licensure:
• Current state RN license in good standing.
• Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) required.