RN First Assistant ERT (0) MHO in South Bend, Indiana at Beacon Health System

Provides the professional nursing services of a Surgery staff nurse in support of medical care, with expanded intra-operative behaviors unique to first assisting, as initiated by:

• Utilizing surgical assisting skills to assist the physician in the performance of surgery for patients from neonate through geriatric.
• Providing hemostasis to reduce the potential for post-operative infection and the potential for fluid volume deficit by clamping and/or ligating vessels, using electrosurgical units, applying direct pressure, applying chemical agents that promote coagulation and other means, as directed by the surgeon.
• Providing exposure of the operative site through the appropriate use of retractors and other instruments and through suctioning and sponging.
• Using surgical instruments skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose, as directed by the surgeon.
• Handling all varieties of tissue appropriately to reduce the potential for injury or compromised blood supply, as directed by the surgeon.
• Skillfully suturing all varieties of tissue with the appropriate suture material and suturing techniques, as directed by the surgeon.
• Responding to life-saving situations based upon nursing standards, policies, procedures and protocols.
• Rotating within the Surgical Services area to assist in all cases as required.

Practices peri-operative nursing and is responsible for independent nursing behaviors of peri-operative assessment and postoperative evaluation of care by:

• Coordinating the delivery of care to patients throughout the length of their stay in order to achieve quality outcomes and timely discharge.
• Utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation.
• Delegating selected duties, tasks or functions that fall within the scope of professional nursing practice and the abilities of Operating Room Assistants and specialty support assistants.
• Providing selected aspects of physical care within the scope of professional nursing practice as appropriate given the patient's level of acuity and the complexity of care required.
• Documenting and communicating, during each shift, the patient's response to the care that was provided, consumption of resources and anticipated needs.

Supports the management team and exhibits professional behavior by:

• Coordinating the care provided by other Surgical Services professionals. Also identifying and correcting unsafe practices.
• Demonstrating a collaborative spirit by exhibiting collegiality and peer support by teaching, mentoring, coaching and networking.
• Demonstrating patient advocacy by maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy and ensuring that informed consent has been provided.
• Assisting with the ongoing development of team members (i.e., their technical skills and clinical expertise).
• Developing an effective, professional working relationship with physicians and other healthcare professionals.
• Exhibiting professional autonomy by accepting responsibility for ones own actions and recognizing the limits of one's ability; also defining professional goals.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Maintaining and preparing reports and providing updates in a timely manner to the Director, Patient Care Services as required.
• Completing other job-related duties and special projects as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience

The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Registered Nurse First Assistant training program. A current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Indiana is required. Requires current BLS competency. Current certification in Advanced Life Support is required (or must be successfully completed within the first year of employment). Certification in the Trauma Nursing Core Course is required (or must be successfully completed within the first year of employment). A current Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification is required. A minimum of three years of clinical experience as a scrub and circulating nurse with demonstrated clinical proficiency is required.

Knowledge & Skills

• Demonstrates a high level of competency in performing nursing care procedures, assessments and treatments.
• Requires a complete understanding of nursing care practices, policies, procedures and protocols.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of the functions, uses and theory behind the equipment used in the Surgical Services unit.
• Requires the decision-making and analytical skills necessary to solve problems and effectively assess a patient's condition and formulate, implement and modify plans of care.
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently, establish priorities and work effectively in an environment with interruptions.
• Demonstrates a high level of professionalism at all times and the leadership skills necessary to elicit cooperation from others.
• Demonstrates the interpersonal skills necessary to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients, families, staff and physicians.
• Demonstrates the communication skills (both verbal and written) necessary to communicate in a clear and concise manner (for example, when reporting appropriate information needed by other healthcare team members).
• Demonstrates proficiency in basic computer skills (i.e., data entry, word processing and spreadsheets).

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care/operating room environment which requires physical exertion, frequent changes in job demands and certain undesirable patient care activities and possible exposure to bio-hazards.
• Work schedule may vary to meet the needs of the department.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e. to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position. Also requires the fine motor skills necessary for manipulation of highly-technical equipment that is used to meet patient care needs and the visual acuity to effectively observe patients.