The Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for delivering safe, efficient, and compassionate perioperative nursing care to patients undergoing cosmetic and reconstructive procedures in an accredited outpatient plastic surgery center. This position functions in multiple capacities including preoperative assessment, operating room circulating nurse, and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) nurse. The RN works collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and clinical staff to ensure exceptional patient outcomes, regulatory compliance, and an outstanding patient experience.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Preoperative Responsibilities:
Perform comprehensive preoperative patient assessments, including review of medical history, medications, allergies, laboratory results, and medical clearances.
Verify patient identity, procedure, surgical site, informed consents, and required documentation.
Educate patients and caregivers regarding surgical procedures, recovery expectations, postoperative care, and discharge instructions.
Establish and maintain intravenous access and administer medications as ordered.
Prepare patients physically and emotionally for surgery while addressing questions and concerns.
Ensure all preoperative documentation is complete and accurate.
Intraoperative (Circulating Nurse)
Responsibilities:
Function as the circulating nurse during surgical procedures while maintaining patient safety and advocacy.
Assist with patient positioning, surgical site preparation, and implementation of sterile technique.
Coordinate operating room activities and communicate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and surgical technologists.
Perform surgical counts and ensure compliance with patient safety standards.
Anticipate the needs of the surgical team and facilitate efficient case flow.
Maintain accurate and timely intraoperative documentation.
Ensure operating room equipment and supplies are available, functional, and properly maintained.
Support surgeons during cosmetic procedures performed under local anesthesia when appropriate.
PACU Responsibilities:
Monitor patients during the immediate postoperative recovery period.
Assess and manage airway, respiratory status, cardiovascular stability, pain, nausea, and overall recovery from anesthesia.
Recognize and respond appropriately to postoperative complications and emergency situations.
Administer medications and treatments as ordered.
Evaluate patients for discharge readiness according to established criteria.
Provide detailed postoperative instructions to patients and caregivers.
Conduct postoperative follow-up communications as directed by practice protocols.
Quality, Compliance & Safety:
Maintain compliance with all federal, state, accreditation, and facility policies and standards, including OSHA, infection prevention, and patient safety requirements.
Participate in quality assurance, risk management, and performance improvement initiatives.
Assist with accreditation surveys, inspections, and regulatory compliance activities.
Maintain emergency preparedness, including crash cart readiness and emergency medication monitoring.
Ensure complete, accurate, and timely electronic medical record documentation.
Inventory & Operational Support:
Monitor inventory levels of medications, implants, surgical supplies, and equipment.
Assist with ordering, stocking, and maintaining supplies.
Support efficient operating room turnover and daily clinical operations.
Ensure proper handling, sterilization, and tracking of surgical instruments and equipment.
