Registered Nurse Clinical Periop Nurse - RNCPN24-13835

Job Title: Registered Nurse - Clinical Perioperative Nurse
Location: Austell, GA
Shift: Day (10 Hours)

Job Summary:
The Registered Nurse - Clinical Perioperative Nurse is responsible for providing comprehensive patient care in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of surgery. As a key member of the surgical team, the Periop Nurse collaborates with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality care. The role includes ensuring patient safety, educating patients and families, and maintaining compliance with hospital policies and surgical best practices.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough preoperative assessments, including reviewing patient history, current medications, and any potential risks related to the surgery.
• Patient Preparation: Ensure that patients are properly prepared for surgery by confirming informed consent, providing education about the procedure, and prepping the patient for the operating room.
• Communicate with the surgical team to ensure that all necessary equipment and resources are available for the upcoming procedure.
• Assist the surgeon during procedures by providing instruments, maintaining a sterile field, and anticipating the needs of the surgical team.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs and overall status during surgery, responding promptly to any changes in condition.
• Adhere to strict sterilization and infection control protocols to prevent postoperative complications.
• Provide post-anesthesia care in the recovery room (PACU), ensuring patients recover safely from anesthesia and surgery.
• Educate patients and families on postoperative care, including pain management, wound care, and follow-up instructions.
• Document all relevant information in the electronic health record (EHR), including patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes.
• Follow hospital protocols, including AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) standards, for safety and care during the surgical process.
• Participate in pre-surgical time-outs to ensure proper patient identification and procedure verification, reducing the risk of errors.
• Ensure compliance with TJC (The Joint Commission) standards, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) guidelines, and other regulatory bodies.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other perioperative staff during pre- and post-op rounds to discuss patient care plans.
• Provide clear and concise updates on patient conditions and anticipated needs to the surgical and nursing teams.
• Maintain certifications such as BLS (Basic Life Support), ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support), and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) if required.

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Licenses and Certifications:

• Registered Nurse License (valid in the state of practice).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Preferred: Additional certification in perioperative nursing (e.g., CNOR - Certified Nurse Operating Room) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Skills and Competencies:

• Critical for maintaining sterile environments and adhering to surgical safety protocols.
• Ability to assess and respond to rapid changes in patient condition during surgery.
• Work effectively with the surgical team, maintaining strong communication and a focus on patient outcomes.
• Ability to stand for long periods and handle the physical demands of moving and positioning patients.