Registered Nurse - Endoscopy

SUMMARY AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Same Day Surgery Registered Nurses are responsible for the total nursing needs of the pre-operative, pre-procedural and post-operative patient. This diverse patient population includes patients of all ages and their families. The Registered Nurse actions are consistent with the policies and procedures of the Department of Nursing and the New Hampshire Nurse Practice Act.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND WORK ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
CLINICAL DUTIES- Pre-operative/ Pre-Procedural Patient
Responsible for reviewing patient health information and utilizing critical thinking to ensure that all appropriate pre-op testing has been completed.
Responsible for assisting with patient data collection (i.e., labs, progress notes, H&P) utilizing multiple different computer programs
Responsible for completion of the pre-operative checklist
Responsible for a complete pre-operative assessment on all patients
Responsible for carrying out physician/CRNA pre- operative orders including medication administration and completion of EKG's
Responsible for obtaining IV access
Responsible for evaluation of pre-operative teaching
Responsible for the timely coordination of care activities to optimize the patient flow through the surgical department, including review of the record prior to surgery
CLINICAL DUTIES-Post-operative Phase 1 and Phase 2

Responsible for frequent assessment of the post-operative patient in the Post
Anesthesia Care Unit or directly from the Operating Room to SDS area using
ASPAN guidelines

Responsible for utilizing Modified Aldrete to determine recovery phase.
Responsible for post-operative teaching to include wound/dressing education, crutch walking, signs and symptoms of infection, pain management techniques and the recovery process after surgery.
Responsible for discussing physician post-operative instructions with patient and family and assisting with the scheduling of post-operative appointments as indicated
Responsible for the timely coordination of care activities to optimize the patient flow through the surgical department including discharge of the patient once appropriate criteria are met
CLINICAL DUTIES-Endoscopy

Responsible for assisting with any outstanding patient data collection
Responsible for completion of pre-procedure checklist
Responsible for a complete pre-procedures assessment on all patients
Responsible for carrying out physician/CRNA orders pre-procedure
Responsible for the timely coordination of care activities to optimize patient flow through endoscopy, including review of record prior to procedure.
CLINICAL-PROFESSIONAL

Attendance at unit staff meetings
Cross training includes SDS, PACU, ENDO, and pre-operative assessment.
Review/Follow up of events
CERTIFICATIONS- (renewal)

ACLS- every two years
PALS- every two years
ANCILLARY DUTIES

Responsible for ordering unit supplies
Restocking of supplies
Cleaning of equipment
Restocking of patient care areas
Cleaning of rooms in the off hours as census dictate
Working conditions/Physical Requirements:

Physically demanding, high stress environment
Exposure to blood and body fluids, communicable diseases, chemicals, radiation, and repetitive motions
Pushing and pulling heavy objects
Full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients
Manual and finger dexterity
Hand and eye coordination
Standing and walking for extensive periods of time
Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds
Corrected vision and hearing to within normal range
Working irregular hours including call hours