Travel Nurse RN - OR - Operating Room
Chapel Hill, NC
Wellspring Nurse Source
4x10 hrs, Days

Preoperative Care:

• Assess patients’ medical histories, perform physical assessments, and ensure that necessary tests are completed before surgery.
• Review the surgical procedure and verify patient identity, surgical site, and other critical information to prevent errors.
• Educate patients and their families about the surgical procedure, potential risks, and postoperative care instructions.
• Prepare and assess surgical instruments and equipment to ensure everything is sterile and ready for the surgery.
• Administer preoperative medications as ordered, including antibiotics or sedatives.

Intraoperative Care:

• Assist the surgical team by providing sterile instruments, supplies, and equipment during the procedure.
• Monitor the patient's vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature throughout the surgery.
• Ensure the operating room maintains a sterile field and that all instruments are properly handled to prevent infection.
• Document all aspects of the surgery, including medications given, time of procedures, and any complications or changes during surgery.
• Assist with positioning the patient on the operating table to ensure comfort and proper access to the surgical site.

Postoperative Care:

• Monitor patients as they recover from anesthesia, assessing vital signs, and ensuring that they are stable before transfer to the recovery room or another care unit.
• Provide postoperative education to patients and their families, including instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and signs of complications.
• Assist with the management of postoperative pain, administering medications as prescribed.
• Communicate with the surgical team about any concerns or complications during the recovery phase.
• Ensure that patients' post-anesthesia care is documented thoroughly.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical technologists, and other nursing staff to provide seamless and effective care.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with patients, families, and the surgical team to ensure that everyone is informed about the patient's progress and needs.
• Participate in patient hand-offs, ensuring that all relevant information is communicated during shift changes.

Infection Control and Safety:

• Adhere to strict infection control practices, ensuring all equipment and surgical instruments are properly sterilized.
• Follow proper safety protocols, including maintaining a sterile field, handling sharps, and assisting with positioning and monitoring during surgery.
• Ensure that the operating room environment complies with hospital policies and regulatory standards to reduce the risk of infection or injury.

Emergency Response and Crisis Management:

• Remain prepared for emergencies, such as patient complications during surgery or unexpected changes in the patient’s condition.
• Provide immediate care in the event of a medical emergency, such as resuscitation or hemorrhage control, and coordinate with the surgical team for quick resolution.

Professional Development:

• Keep current with best practices, new surgical techniques, and advances in perioperative nursing care through continuing education.
• Participate in workshops, conferences, and other training opportunities to maintain and enhance clinical skills.
• Mentor and train new nurses or nursing students in the operating room environment.