The Registered Nurse (RN) in Surgery provides direct patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures. Responsibilities include patient assessment, monitoring, documentation, patient advocacy, and coordination of care with surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, and other healthcare team members. The RN is responsible for maintaining a safe surgical environment, ensuring compliance with infection control standards, and promoting positive patient outcomes throughout the perioperative process.

I. POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

1. Educational Requirements:
   • Graduate of accredited school of nursing
   • Maintains valid R.N. Louisiana licensee or temporary permit
   • BLS within 30 days after 1^st shift of direct patient care. ACLS within 90 days after 1^st shift.  PALS within 12 months after 1^st shift. 
2. Experience Requirements:
   • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ ​​Experience in Surgical Services area, preferably at least one year.
3. ​​​​​​​Special Requirements:
   • Oral and written communication skills
   • Computer skills
   • Possesses personal qualities such as: kindness, empathy, understanding, respect, good judgment, integrity, loyalty, a sense of humor, and an ability to relate to people in a compassionate manner.​​​​​​​

 

II. JOB RELATED HAZARDS

• Able to walk three miles per shift
• Able to care for patients with infectious diseases
• Able to administer aerosol medications
• Able to assume the following positions occasionally, 0-33% of workday, sitting, kneeling, reaching overhead. Lifting, carry, pushing 100 feet, pulling 100 feet (25-50+ lbs.).
• Must be able to assume the following positions frequently 33-66% of workday standing, walking, stooping crouching, lifting 0-25 lbs.
• May come into contact with communicable disease, unpleasant odors and hazardous materials.
• Potential for increased stress level
• Potential for exposure to: combative, violent, and abusive patient behaviors.