Registered Nurse

Who We Are:

People are our passion and purpose. Come work where you are appreciated for who you are not just what you can do. Ottumwa Regional Health Center provides a wide range of health services, including emergency medicine, critical care services, medical/surgical, acute rehabilitation, obstetrics, and pediatrics, as well as specialty services such as cardiac catheterization, diagnostic and therapeutic radiological services, wound care, pain clinic, sleep lab, pathology, and so much more.

Where We Are:

Ottumwa is a center for “cultural and commercial development” known for its low cost of living, abundant recreation and entertainment, and outstanding education and healthcare facilities. You’ll find something new and exciting to do every day in Ottumwa where there is always a new adventure awaiting on the other side of the bridge.

Why Choose Us:

• Health (Medical, Dental, Vision) and 401K Benefits for full-time employees
• Competitive Paid Time Off / Extended Illness Bank package for full-time employees
• Employee Assistance Program – mental, physical, and financial wellness assistance
• Tuition Reimbursement/Assistance for qualified applicants
• And much more…

Position Summary:

Responsible for the delivery of safe, effective, and quality patient-family centered care in the procedure/operating room and other areas of perioperative services for all patient populations.  Inherent duties include, but are not limited to, the proper care of instrumentation and equipment, utilization of all safety measures and the accurate completion of all documentation.  This position requires strong communication skills, must be attentive to details, have a thorough knowledge of sterile technique, have a commitment to the team concept, and have a strong commitment to task.  RN will maintain skills in setting priorities, organizing workload effectively, changes in assignment and integrating multiple assignments with multilevel personnel. Is expected to flex hours to accommodate unit schedule and cover standby during weekends, nights and holidays.  RN will support the mission, vision, and values of the organization.

• Participates as a team member in support of the total perioperative process
• Organizes time, equipment, supplies, and personnel to provide effective and efficient case management
• Performs direct nursing care for patients undergoing multifaceted endoscopic, bronchoscopic, and minor surgical procedures.
• Delegates activities appropriate to the abilities of available staff members
• Considers cost containment by using supplies economically and in effective turnover time
• Performs the circulating nurse’s role and/or assistant and functions following approved procedures to meet the requirements of schedule.
• Assembles and provides properly functioning equipment, supplies, and scopes/ instruments before start of procedure and positions and adjusts equipment as required during the procedure
• Assists the physician during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to promote optimal patient outcomes by team collaboration
• Provides continuity of patient care by communicating with other perioperative care personnel and documenting records accordingly
• Responds in a timely manner to meet the needs of the patient and physician
• Verifies correct patient, operative site, procedure, allergies and physicians prior to start of procedure. (Time out)
• Greets, interviews, and evaluates patient’s medical record for appropriate consents and data pertinent to their care (i.e., history and physical, lab, radiology reports, physician orders, etc.).
• Provides assistance and directs others in safely transferring and positioning the patient and applies safety devices.
• Supports anesthesia personnel and assists when necessary during induction or anesthesia.
• Anticipates emergency and unusual circumstances and initiates corrective actions.
• Verifies and implements intra-operative physician orders (i.e., blood, lab, x-ray, medications, etc.).
• Utilizes time management in regards to the schedule, assignments, verification of operational functions of equipment, charting, computer inputs, without sacrificing patient care
• Demonstrates competency in administering moderate sedation and monitoring skills
• Monitors physical status of patient, to administer drugs and solutions as prescribed.
• Manages culture/specimen collection, handling, and disposition according to hospital policy and procedure.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability to changes in nursing practice and responds in a positive manner to constructive criticism.
• Exercises safe judgment in decision making and demonstrates tact and understanding when dealing with patients, team members, members of other disciplines, and the public.
• Accompanies patient to ODS/PACU and gives post-operative report to unit staff.

• Using the physician preference sheet to verify, selects supplies and scope/instruments for each procedure.

• Utilizes knowledge base to assist with orientation, training, and education of new personnel.
• Handles and disposes of contaminated supplies and linen using appropriate technique.
• Assisting with QI projects and unit changes; Assisting with special projects
• Follows ORHC infection control policies and procedures at all times
• Conveying QI, risk and safety concerns to Director or designee in a timely manner
• Completing variance reports or statements of concern appropriately and in a timely manner
• Assists with clean-up of the room and assures return of scopes/instruments to Sterile Processing.
• Completes required education requirements, and identifies own learning needs
• Completes required competencies and training within signed timeframe
• Attends 100% of mandatory education. and 85% of staff meetings
• Performs other related duties as may be assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• In-depth knowledge and skill related to endoscopy/surgical patients, population, supplies, documentation, equipment, and patient care requirements, etc.
• Must have a caring, calm and compassionate attitude
• Knowledge of pulmonary and GI anatomy and physiology
• Ability to deal with patient’s fear and doubts
• Ability to work within the guidelines established by the organizational structure.
• Working/Reference knowledge of policies/procedures/standards.
• Participate in and contribute to committees, teams and projects in keeping with the organization’s strategic goals.

EDUCATION

• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.

EXPERIENCE 

• Prefer prior experience in perioperative nursing, SGNA
• Position requires the knowledge and skills necessary to provide nursing care appropriate to the patient population assigned, considering client age and diagnosis
• Willing to accept responsibility and accountability to prescribe, delegate, and coordinate nursing care provided on his/her unit as required.
• Ability to function in stressful situations. 
• Willingness to cross train and float between OR, PACU, PAT and ODS units.

CERTIFICATE/LICENSE

• Current Active Iowa Registered Nurse Licensure

• ACLS/BLS required

EEOC Statement:

Ottumwa Regional Health Center is committed to providing Equal Employment Opportunities for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment because of color, race, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, veterans' status or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.