Summary:

The Registered Nurse (OR) works collaboratively with the physician, scrub technician and the anesthesia health care providers to determine patient needs undergoing surgical procedures and to assume responsibility for patient care, document and evaluate the effectiveness of nursing actions and ensure a safe environment of care.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

General RN

*Provides direct nursing care to patients by assessing their physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual status.

* Develops a plan of care consistent with the patient's condition and annotates medical records in accordance with established procedures and regulatory requirements and provides information to clinical and support staff to facilitate continued proper nursing care. Includes the patients and family in the process of care planning.

* Performs comprehensive patient assessments, noting any improvement or deterioration in the patient's condition and implements and evaluates nursing care accordingly.

* Assesses patients and administers treatments, medications, and general care according to nursing plan of care, best practices, established protocols and medical orders to treat actual or potential disorders and to optimize the physical and mental well-being of the patients.

* Operates specialized medical equipment.

* Evaluates and documents patients' responses to care regimen and adds to; changes or resolves interventions on the nursing plan of care and/ or collaborates with physician regarding the need to revise the treatment plan.

* Coordinates care with other departments (i.e.: dietary, social services rehab services, etc.), serving as a liaison to ensure services are provided in a timely manner.

* Provides education to the patient and family about medication, medical treatments; disease specific information, follow up care.

* Participates in discharge planning in collaboration with other health care providers and community resources to ensure full utilization of support services, which address patient needs.

* Participates in Quality Assurance activities to ensure provision of optimum care and follow-up for patients.

* Ensures continuity of nursing care by communicating a comprehensive handoff during transition to another nurse (at change of shift, change in assignment, transfer of patient, etc.)

* Participates with other professional team members in a multi-disciplinary approach to nursing care.

* Advocates the patient bill of rights and advocates on behalf of patients and families to ensure continuity and understanding of care given.

* Accepts accountability for education requirements pertaining to policies, procedures and general patient care information, etc.

* Participates in continuing education programs and in-service education in order to provide the most appropriate nursing care.

* Complies with hospital policies and procedures.

* Participates in the performance improvement process including data collection, analysis, plan for change and implementation of changes.

* Precepts and mentors newer staff to assure appropriate orientation to assigned units.

* Attends all mandatory in-services and required staff meetings.

* Performs other duties as assigned. Operating Room

* Demonstrates clear knowledge necessary to provide patient care by ensuring all instruments, equipment, and supplies are available for procedure.

* Communicates with other members of the health care team regarding the patient's condition during the Perioperative period.

* Demonstrates correct application for cleaning /disinfection of equipment.

* Protects the welfare of patient by accurate labeling and handling of specimen.

* Dispositions of all surgical specimens, initial specimen label are entered into Pathology logbook.

* Demonstrates awareness of appropriate medication use and follows all policies concerning medication administration.

* Utilizes the nursing process along with AORN standards to ensure all of the patient safety goals are incorporated into the care of the patient.

* Demonstrates knowledge of aseptic technique.

* Applies principles of asepsis, maintains sterile field technique at the sterile field, assists with terminal care of equipment and supplies after the surgical procedure is completed.

* Demonstrates safe and effective use of equipment used in the surgical settings.

* Demonstrates the ability to use the Autoclave for IUSS Immediate Use Steam Sterilization.

QUALIFICATIONS / REQUIREMENTS:

Experience: Previous professional nursing experience preferred.

Education: Graduation from an accredited school of Nursing required.

Licenses / Certifications: Must possess a limited permit to practice nursing, issued by the New York State Education Department, or a valid license and current registration, issued by the New York State Education Department, as a Registered Nurse. Current BLS required. CNOR certification preferred.

Other:

If applicable, the individual performing this job may reasonably anticipate coming into contact with human blood and other potentially infectious materials. Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

About Us:

Good Samaritan Hospital

Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, is a 286-bed hospital providing emergency, medical, surgical, obstetrical/gynecological and acute-care services to residents of Rockland and southern Orange counties in New York; and northern Bergen County, NJ. The hospital is home to a recognized cardiovascular program, comprehensive cancer-treatment services, the area's leading Wound and Hyperbaric Institute and outstanding maternal/child services that includes a Children's Diagnostic Center. Good Samaritan Hospital also provides social, psychiatric and substance-abuse services and its certified home-care agency supports residents of the Hudson Valley and beyond.