The Surgery RN performs specialized professional nursing duties in assisting surgeons and providers in the operating room; acts as scrub or sterile nurse as needed; sets up operating room according to type of operation; assists surgeon/provider during operative procedures; transfers patient from operating room to recovery room; and performs related duties as required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess patients pre-operatively.
• Initiates surgical time-out with surgical team.
• Uses established techniques in preparing for and assisting with surgical procedures; provides and sets up necessary instruments, supplies and equipment for different types of operations, according to established routines and instructions of the surgeon/provider.
• Preps surgical site.
• Observes patient during surgical procedure to detect possible complications and/or breaks in sterile technique; furnishes emergency equipment and supplies to prevent fatality.
• Manages contaminated instruments and supplies during operation procedures to prevent spread of infection.
• As circulating nurse, places patient in prescribed position to assure access to operative field; adjusts operating table and accessory equipment as may be required; prepares operative area and drapes patient or assists surgeon with draping.
• During operative procedure, preserves and labels operative specimens for laboratory analysis.
• Provides special equipment such as cauteries, electro-surgical machines, diagnostic lights and other special-apparatus and assures same is in proper working order; manipulates such equipment, to aid in the efficiency of the surgeon and to avoid hazards to patient.
• Observes progress of surgery; provides additional instruments, supplies or other items as needed; provides and regulates such fluids as blood, plasma, saline and glucose solutions, cardiac and respiratory stimulants to prevent fatalities during operation,
• After operation, may apply or assist in applying dressings, assists in transferring patient from operating room to recovery room.
• Cleans or directs cleaning and sterilization of contaminated instruments, equipment, and supplies.
• Demonstrates clear ownership of workplace and patient safety.
• Reports mistakes, near misses, adverse events and quality and safety concerns.
• Participates in the development and implementation of safety and quality improvement activities.
• Protects patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Other duties as may be assigned.

Job Requirements

Education: Graduation from an accredited nursing school with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s

Degree.

Licensure/Certification: Current nursing license, in good standing with the Indiana State licensing board.

Experience: Minimum of two years of experience as a surgery nurse preferred. Requires thorough technical and working knowledge of: the various steps involved in different types of operations in order to anticipate surgeon’s needs; correct methods of handling instruments and supplies; surgical instruments used in various surgical procedures, and the related proper setting up of the operating room; the importance of maintaining an aseptic field. Requires specialized skill and ability and mental and visual concentration when assisting surgeon during operative procedure. Excellent interpersonal skills required.

Physical Requirements: Ability to lift twenty-five (25) pounds. Moving, lifting or transferring of patients may involve lifting of up to fifty (50) pounds; ability to stand and walk for extended periods; ability to bend, lean and stoop without hindrance; full range of body motion; fine motor skills and visual acuity; normal range of hearing.