SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The Surgical Scrub Nurse scrubs for surgical procedures and demonstrates competence while functioning as a member of the surgical team.  The Surgical Scrub Nurse provides quality care using the nursing process and the medical plan of care. In addition, the Surgical Scrub Nurse prepares and maintains supplies, instruments, and equipment related to these procedures.   Supports the philosophy, objectives, and goals of the Surgery Center. The Surgical Scrub Nurse reports to the Clinical Coordinator.   

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Performs surgical team functions in conjunction with anesthesia providers, surgeons, and team members.
• Maintains required sterility or cleanliness prior to and throughout procedure
• Prepares and maintains supplies, instruments, equipment, and rooms for surgical procedures.
• Maintains competency in areas of practice.
• Recognizes safety hazards and initiates appropriate corrective and/or preventive measures.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and organization related information.
• Strictly adheres to the Surgery Center’s policies and procedures relating to infection control and safety.
• Tags and removes malfunctioning equipment from the OR Suite and reports to the Clinical Director/ Coordinator as soon as possible.
• Prepares as much as possible for upcoming cases by checking supplies, doctor's preference cards, instruments, and any additional equipment.
• Assists with packaging items for disposal and/or reprocessing.
• May assist with routine cleaning of ultrasonic unit, sterilizers, etc.
• Rotates sterile supplies and removes outdated items.
• Assists with receiving and storing supplies in sterile and storage areas
• Disposes of contaminated needle containers in appropriate receptacle.
• Assists OR team in room turnover.
• Participates in the Adverse Incident reporting process, as necessary.
• Ability to function as a Circulating Nurse as assigned by the Clinical Director/ Coordinator.
• Performs other duties as needs arise.
• Participates in committees as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Current unrestricted licensure in Virginia or Compact State as a Registered Nurse.
• Progressive work experience in the OR of no less than one year.
• Current BLS certification.
• ACLS and PALS certification preferred within six (6) months of date of hire.
• Competence in oral and written communication.
• Must have visual acuity at least 20 inches or less and be able to identify and distinguish colors.
• Must have good eye and hand coordination and be able to manipulate small objects and instruments quickly and accurately, ability to coordinate eyes and hands quickly and accurately.
• Must be able to perceive objects accurately as to size, temperature, and texture.
• Must have auditory acuity.
• Must be able to stand for long periods of time.
• Mental and physical health sufficient to meet the demands of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS

• Surgery center setting.
• Well-lighted, well-ventilated, adequate space.
• Some exposure to communicable diseases and/or other conditions common to a clinical setting.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS

• Requires sitting, standing, bending, and reaching 6-8 hours of the day.
• Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Intermittent physical mobility/activity including walking, standing, sitting, light lifting, pulling and pushing of carts, equipment, etc.  Must be able to bend body downward at the waist; be able to kneel.