Job Summary:

As a Perioperative Nurse you will play a critical role in the care and management of patients before, during, and after surgical procedures. Your responsibilities include patient preparation, surgical assistance, and post-operative care to ensure safe and efficient surgeries and optimal patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Preoperative Assessment: Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients scheduled for surgery, identifying any medical history, allergies, medications, and special requirements that could impact the surgical process.
2. Patient Preparation: Prepare patients for surgery by explaining the procedure, ensuring proper consent, starting IV lines, and administering preoperative medications.
3. Surgical Assistance: Provide sterile and aseptic support to the surgical team, passing instruments, handling surgical equipment, and assisting with patient positioning.
4. Anesthesia Support: Assist anesthesia providers with the administration of anesthesia and monitoring of patients throughout the surgery.
5. Patient Advocacy: Advocate for patients' safety and well-being throughout the perioperative process, ensuring that surgical sites are marked correctly and that safety protocols are followed.
6. Postoperative Care: Monitor patients in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) or recovery room, assessing vital signs, pain levels, and the return of consciousness.
7. Wound Care: Care for surgical wounds and dressings, monitoring for signs of infection or complications.
8. Medication Management: Administer postoperative medications and manage patient pain as needed.
9. Documentation: Maintain accurate and thorough records of patient assessments, surgical procedures, and post-operative care, following legal and institutional standards.
10. Infection Control: Adhere to strict infection control protocols in the perioperative environment.
11. Quality Assurance: Participate in quality improvement initiatives, analyze surgical outcomes, and implement best practices to enhance patient care.

Qualifications:

• Current state licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN).
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Perioperative Nursing Certification (CNOR) or similar certification is a plus.
• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Compassion, empathy, and a dedication to patient-centered care.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work effectively in high-stress surgical environments.

Working Conditions:

• Variable shifts, including day, evening, night, and weekend rotations.
• Frequent exposure to sterile surgical environments and a variety of surgical procedures.
• Frequent standing, walking, and interactions with surgical teams and patients.

This job description provides a general overview of the responsibilities and qualifications for the Perioperative Nurse position. Duties may evolve to meet the changing needs of the perioperative department and healthcare facility.