What does an operating Theatre nurse do?

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title:      Theatre Nurse

Reports to:         Theatre Manager

Responsible to:     Directors and CEO

Qualifications & Experience:

• Registration with the Nursing Board of Tasmania as a qualified Registered or Enrolled Nurse.

• Theatre experience preferred but not essential.

Attributes:

• Good interpersonal skills with patients and other staff members.

• Able to demonstrate a high level of motivation.

• To have the ability to access and implement changes where necessary.

Mode of Dress:

• Theatre attire as directed.

• Well groomed and identified by The Eye Hospital’s name badge.

Award:    The Eye Hospital Nurses Enterprise Agreement 2012

Hours of Work:    As required

Specific Skills/Qualities:

• Demonstrates accountability for own practice
• Knowledge of principles of peri-operative nursing and infection control
• Knowledge of legal requirements, handling of S8 drugs , documentation
• Demonstrates commitment to professional development
• Ability to make sound independent clinical judgements
• Awareness of workplace safety act
• Knowledge of ISO 9001:2008 & NSQHS Standards and quality improvement program
• Renewal of annual practising certificate

Functions:

• Contributes to the delivery of quality patient care during the peri-operative phase in accordance with the policies of The Eye Hospital and legal requirements
• Ability to work independently, provide direction to other staff
• Understand the role of the E.N
• Assumes responsibility and collaborates with team members to ensure operating lists run efficiently
• Demonstrates a knowledge of legislation pertinent to the operating room ensures standards in relation to surgical counts are adhered to
• Promotes a safe working environment with due regard to explosion hazard, bomb hazard, electrical equipment and fire
• Ensures compliance with the facilities policy and procedures
• Participates in trials and evaluation of new products and equipment
• Assumes responsibility for efficient utilization of resources
• Participates in regular unit meetings
• Facilitates effective communication within the operating room, reception and the greater health care team
• Participates in development and revision of policies and procedures
• Cognisant with legal implications of documentation
• Contributes to the learning experience of colleagues
• Evaluates own work practice by participation in staff appraisals
• Participates in quality improvement
• The nurse demonstrates competency, knowledge and skills based on ACORN standards to perform required duties. These include:

Scrub Nurse:

• Functions as a member of the health care team
• Facilitates effective communication with the team
• Confirm patient identification, consent and perform “time out” as per policy
• Ensure instruments for procedure are available and sterile
• Scrub in accordance to acorn standards
• Prepare surgical setup immediately prior to commencement of procedure
• Perform surgical count with circulating nurse as per acorn standards
• Anticipate needs of surgeon
• Ensure aseptic technique is adhered to
• Adhere to safety requirements to prevent injury to patients and staff
• Ensure legal documentation is complete
• Ensures waste / disposables are handled in the correct manner

Anaesthetic Nurse:

• Functions as a member of the health care team
• Facilitates effective communication
• Provides dedicated assistance to the anaesthetist
• Confirms patient identification, correct operative site, valid consent, allergies, fasting status and medical and surgical history
• Ensures anaesthetic equipment is available and functional
• Remain with the patient prior to and during induction
• Provides appropriate explanations
• Assists with positioning of patient
• Monitors clinical responses
• Assists and anticipates needs of the anaesthetist
• Is aware of safety precautions to prevent injury

Circulating Nurse:

• Functions as a member of the health care team
• Facilitates effective communication
• Confirms patient identification, valid consent, allergies, fasting status
• Ensures availability of necessary equipment, instruments and sterile stock
• Performs surgical count with scrub nurse as per ACORN standards and ensures documentation is complete
• Monitors aseptic technique throughout procedure
• Is aware of safety requirements to prevent injury to patients and staff
• Liaise with the greater health care team/ reception
• Ensures comprehensive handover to recovery nurse

Recovery Room Nurse:

• Functions as a member of the health care team
• Facilitates effective communication
• Is familiar with the area, emergency equipment and protocols
• Competent in airway management
• Seeks support and advice for medical assistance as required
• Receives verbal handover from scout and anaesthetist
• Monitors and responds to clinical needs
• Assess pain relief and ensures prompt administration of analgesia
• Documents on recovery chart all observations
• Ensure appropriate   handover on discharge

• Maintain strict confidentiality in relation to all matters pertaining to the organisation’s activities and objectives.       Failure to observe this requirement may be regarded as misconduct and will be dealt with according to the employee confidentiality agreement.

Staff Appraisal:

• A formal performance appraisal shall be completed with the Theatre Manager after three months employment and annually thereafter.

• Assessing patients prior to surgery and alleviating their concerns
• Gathering all supplies needed for the operation
• Assuming responsibility of keeping the operating room sterilized

Job brief

We are looking for a competent Operating room nurse (or perioperative nurse) to assist surgeons during operations and keep the operating room sterile at all times.

They need to possess phenomenal efficiency and attention to detail with a strong knowledge of operation procedures and patient safety. Being compassionate and sensitive is a prerequisite for the profession. The ideal candidate goes one step further by being a critical thinker, fast to act in emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Assess patients prior to surgery (e.g. NPO status) and alleviate their concerns
• Gather all supplies needed for the operation
• Assume responsibility of keeping the operating room sterilized
• Position and prepare patient on operating table
• Pass medical instruments or other objects to the surgeon during operation
• Monitor patient’s vital signs to detect anomalies
• Evaluate patient in postoperative phases
• Adhere to safety standards and precautions
• Assume duties within or out of the sterile field as assigned

Requirements and skills

• Proven experience as operating room nurse (circulating and scrub)
• Excellent knowledge of aseptic and sterile techniques
• Solid understanding of patient safety and precautions
• In-depth knowledge of surgical operation procedures
• Outstanding organizational ability
• A great team player with excellent communication skills
• Cool tempered with emotional and physical stamina
• Diploma in nursing and a valid licence

Operating Room Nurses ensure that the operating room is clean, sterilized, and ready to go at any time. They also take on tasks like alleviating patient concerns before surgery or gathering all supplies needed to complete an operation safely. After a procedure, they ensure the operating room is appropriately cleaned and stable for patients.

What are the duties and responsibilities of an Operating Room Nurse?

The Operating Room Nurse is responsible for keeping patients safe during surgery by providing care before, during, or after surgeries. They are tasked with ensuring operating rooms are clean and sterile while preparing for and following procedures.

What makes a Good Operating Room Nurse?

Operating Room Nurses need to be able to work as a team. They must also have excellent communication skills because they're responsible for relaying information between doctors and patients during procedures. Nurses should always stay organized so that everything runs smoothly on their watch.

Who does an Operating Room Nurse work with?

Operating Room Nurses work alongside Nurses, as both professionals assist patients throughout their preparation and healing processes. They collaborate to ensure operating areas are clean and patients are cared for adequately.

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