Registered Nurse

Skills/Qualifications for Registered Nurse/Surgical OR Nurse

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program with current state licensure
• Must be ACLS certified (or willing to become certified upon hire)
• Must have IV sedation skills and preferable moderate sedation certification (or willing to become certified upon hire)
• Surgical/OR experience required and comfortable with pushing medications
• Cosmetic surgery/plastic surgery experience is preferred but not required
• Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Able to effectively communicate with all members of staff, both verbal and written
• Ability to communicate with patient, their family members and/or caretakers
• Cosmetic Injectables experience a plus (but not required)
• Must have a flexible schedule and reliable transportation

Clinic Registered Nurse Duties/Responsibilities:

• Ability to prioritize and use time management skills to keep appointments within the allotted time.
• Always conducts themselves in a professional manner, maintaining accuracy, integrity and conscientious effort.
• Identifies patient care requirements by establishing a communicative and personal rapport with physicians, staff members and patients.
• Understands that all care regarding a patient is confidential and privileged information. Maintains patient confidence by protecting this information and adhering to all HIPAA regulations.
• Realizes the importance of cooperation and teamwork and develops flexibility and adaptability according to the needs of the case.
• Interviews patients and obtains vital signs, such as respiratory rate, pulse oximetry, heart rate, temperature, blood pressure, and weight/height. Records information in the patient medical record accurately.
• Performs additional pre-operative appointment functions, such as taking photos, body measurements, garment fittings, assistance with prescriptions, reviews medical and surgical history, organizes consents, chaperones the physician, and answers patient questions.
• Reviews instructions with patients over the phone prior to surgery, conducts patient follow-up calls as needed, and answers clinical questions over the phone.
• Reviews upcoming surgery charts for adequate medical clearance, labs, EKGs, medication orders, and caregiver information to ensure the patient is ready for surgery. Coordinates directly with patients for missing items and alerts the physician and anesthesia provider to any abnormal labs or tests.
• Prepares exam rooms and pre-op/post-op areas for examination of patients. Maintains a safe, clean, fully stocked, and well-organized environment according to policies and procedures.
• Performs additional post-operative follow-up appointment functions, such as dressing changes, wound care, drain removal, seroma aspiration, staple removal, suture removal, etc.
• Has knowledge and understanding of all treatments, products and services provided by Athenix and educates patients as appropriate.
• Assists the clinical staff and Nurse Manager in maintaining adequate inventory and participating in supply checks.
• Maintains patient photos in an organized, secure, and labeled manner using the center’s photo program.
• Upholds the standards of sanitation and sterilization as directed by law and Athenix policies and procedures.
• Acknowledges and greets patients in a friendly and professional manner.
• Checks-in patients for surgery, obtains signatures on documents, and coordinates with caregivers for pick-up protocol.
• Performs point-of-care testing per policies and procedures that include pregnancy, nicotine/drug, hemocue and glucose testing.
• Handles patients' questions and concerns professionally and courteously, or politely directs to the appropriate personnel if necessary. Provide accurate and appropriate responses to patient requests with the goal of ensuring complete patient satisfaction.
• Performs accurate and detailed documentation in patient charts after any communication or tasks performed.
• Assists the physician and other nurses with injectables as needed.
• Adheres to the Narcotic policies, including access to the locked area, providing medications to appropriate personnel, witnessing wastage, accurate counting, and documentation in the log.
• Documents and disposes of expired medications and recalled items according to policies and procedures.
• Responsible for providing assurance and comfort to any patient apprehension both prior and after surgical procedures.
• Protects patients and employees by adhering to infection control policies and protocols, medication administration and storage procedures, and controlled substance regulations.
• Understands the treatment for severe emergencies and develops the ability to think and act promptly, rapidly, efficiently and calmly in emergency situations. Provides immediate support in emergency situations, including use of Ambu bag, CPR, AED, Crash cart, venipuncture and emergency medications.
• Prepares local medications according to physician preference.
• Starts IV and administers IV fluids as directed.
• Acts as a liaison between OR personnel and patient's family or caregivers. Notifies family/caregivers of patient's status throughout the case when appropriate and once surgery is completed.
• Responsible for post-op teaching and answering questions from patients and caregivers.
• Ensures patient has follow-up appointments scheduled appropriately.
• Helps coordinate aftercare services as needed for patients.
• Regularly attends and actively participates in staff meetings and training for the center. Contributes information to resolve problems, identify system improvements, and reviews progress.
• Maintains efficient flow of patients on clinic days and appropriately directs physicians on who they need to see next.
• Contributes to the Implant log and ensures appropriate documentation has been sent to the manufacturer when applicable. Records accurate information in the medical record and log.
• Contributes to pathology specimen handling, lab pickup, reporting of results, and appropriate documentation of pathology results in the medical record and log.
• Maintains a safe and clean working environment by complying with clinical policies and procedures, rules, and regulations. Includes appropriate cleaning and sanitation of all patient care areas.
• Participates and completes chart audits in a timely manner consistent with the policies.
• Promptly communicates any complaints or occurrences involving staff or patients that require attention to management.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge on an ongoing basis and completes approved Continuing Education Units as required by the Board of Nursing.
• Required Skills/Qualifications:
• Must be a graduate of an accredited nursing program with a current state RN licensure.
• Must have and always maintain a current American Heart Association Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification (ACLS).
• Plastic surgery clinic setting experience required.
• Familiar with all the field’s concepts, practices and procedures.
• Ability to effectively communicate with all members of staff, both verbal and written.
• Good judgment, supervision, listening, creativity, conflict resolution and leadership skills.
• Attention to detail, organized, reliable and confident with patients.