Perioperative Services Registered Nurse

The Perioperative Float RN is responsible for the delivery of wellness based, customer friendly care to patients using the nursing process. This RN assures a coordinated perioperative experience for patients before, during and after surgical/invasive procedures. This RN is responsible for care related activities of support personnel. This RN is accountable to meet the unique demands of a fast paced, competitive surgical environment meeting quality outcomes in an economically viable and customer friendly way. The focus of patient care will encompass pre-procedure preparation, intra-procedure patient monitoring and physician assistance, post procedure critical evaluation, anticipation and prevention of complications, effective pain management, and patient/family education. This RN maintains standards of professional nursing practice.

The Perioperative Float RN is Phase I competent, critically care trained and is responsible for the management and delivery of patient care utilizing the nursing process who require Phase I recovery and will transition patients to Phase II recovery level. Will require floating between main campus and Ambulatory Surgey Center.

1. Practices within the boundaries of the NYS Practice Act for Registered Professional Nurses and provides care according to CVPH (generic & unit-specific) Standards of Care and Practice.
2. Advocates patient rights and demonstrates a working knowledge of Advance Directive practices, organ donation and procurement as evidenced by completion of documentation as outlined by CVPH policy/procedures.
3. Manages conflicts/identifies ethical dilemmas and assists patients and families in resolving.
4. Performs patient assessments to include physical and psychosocial (respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, neurological, nutritional and functional assessments) throughout all perianesthesia phases according to unit and ASPAN standards.
5. Provides care using infection control practices as outlined in hospital policies/procedures (e.g. Universal Standard Precautions and Isolation Techniques).
6. Maintains a positive environment by following defined attire and traffic policies.
7. Utilizes computer technology as applicable (e.g. order entry, materials management).
8. Verifies and /or transcribes and implements physician orders.
9. Assesses, reassesses, plans, implements and evaluates nursing care (including discharge plan) for assigned patients.
10. Provides prioritized patient/family education including discharge instructions.
11. Provides leadership and measures effectiveness of nursing care by providing supervision, delegation, monitoring/reassessment of all patient care as required.
12. Provides nursing care to the patient requiring monitoring/intervention with “Point of Care Testing” (e.g, fingersticks), patient care devices (e.g. IV pumps, PCA pumps, external compression devices, suction apparatus), input/output tubes/devices (e.g. NG tubes, urinary drains, surgical drains, enteral feeding tubes) and other such devices/treatments.
13. Provides nursing care to the patient requiring peripheral or central venous IV therapy, continuous, intermittent or IVP, including TPN, PPN, lipid infusions and medicated drips.
14. Providing nursing care to the patient requiring special procedures to include conscious sedation, lumbar puncture, chest tube insertion, thoracentesis, liver biopsy, bone marrow, bronchoscopics, etc.
15. Provides nursing care to the patient requiring medication administration by the applicable routes to include controlled substances; Utilizes the pyxis system as required.
16. Provides nursing care for the patient requiring blood/blood product therapy.
17. Provides nursing care for the patient requiring arterial blood sampling and various respiratory therapies. Modalities include oxygen therapy, use of the incentive spirometer, small volume nebulizer treatments, artificial airways, suctioning and mechanical ventilation.
18. Provides nursing care for the patient requiring pain management according to organization and unit standards to include surgical, chronic and terminal pain.
19. Communicates patient care needs effectively (e.g. shift to shift, unit to unit, physician). Reports to physician changes/deviations from expected norm.
20. Documents patient care accurately and timely according to policy/guidelines.
21. Provides nursing care for the patient requiring restraints/protective/supportive devices, wandering/elopement, seizure and suicide precautions, and the patient on fall protocol.
22. Assists during endotracheal intubations by maintaining cricoid pressure
23. Maintains principles of sterile techniques/medical asepsis when required.
24. Provides immediate postoperative care for the patient who has had anesthesia or sedation analgesia.
25. Provides nursing care for the patient requiring cardiac or invasive monitoring.
26. Provides nuring care to the patient requiring body temperature control.
27. Provides emergency nursing care for the patient in cardiopulmonary arrest, malignant hyperthermia crisis, or requiring external pacemaker support.
28. Performs in a crisis/emergency (e.g. code 99, 66) while maintaining a positive/calm approach.
29. Recognizes, documents, and assists in the treatment of radiologic contrast reactions.
30. Participates in the various aspects of the PASS program, including the positive marketing of the program to patients, physicians and the community at large.
31. Performs a preoperative assessment either in person or data collection via telephone.
32. Supports fluctuation in patient care needs by floating/overtime when required.
33. Performs all other duties as assigned.

1. Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing.
2. Currently licensed as a Registered Professional Nurse in New York State.
3. Meets requirements of physical/pre-placement screening.
4. Completion of CVPH critical care course or a passing grade on the challenge exam and skill competency testing within six (6) months.
5. Previous PACU or Endoscopy experience will be considered first.
6. Minimum two years med/surg nursing experience required. Critical Care experience preferred.
7. Must be able to take call as scheduled.
8. ACLS required. PALS required within 12 months of hire.
9. Requires excellent customer service and communication skills including voice control/tone, body language, manners, attitude, accuracy in listening with attention to detail.
10. Demonstrates flexibility and willingness to learn new skills.
11. Competent in IV therapy and venipuncture.
12. Ability to anticipate, prioritize, perform and complete multiple job responsibilities in a timely manner.

As applicable, the individual has training/competency in attending to the special needs and/or behaviors appropriate to the age of the patients for which care is being provided.