Unclassified - Winchester, VA
posted about 1 month ago
The Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) Registered Nurse plays a critical role as the nurse advocate for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. This position encompasses a wide range of responsibilities that include assessment, diagnosis, outcomes identification, planning, evaluation, documentation, and effective time management. The CVOR RN is tasked with ensuring the comfort and safety of patients throughout all phases of surgery, which involves assisting in patient positioning and responding to their needs during the surgical process. In addition to patient care, the CVOR RN is responsible for the accurate care and handling of surgical specimens, observing and enforcing strict aseptic standards, and demonstrating ongoing competency in the use of various surgical equipment. This includes surgical beds, electrocautery generators, suction devices, video equipment, point-of-care testing, and positioning devices. The nurse must also monitor all equipment used during surgery to ensure it is functioning properly and complete patient documentation in the electronic medical record system. A key responsibility is to inventory all countable items before and after surgery to ensure that nothing is left inside the patient post-operatively. The role of a Scrub Nurse is also included, which involves maintaining the integrity of the sterile field and selecting and handling instruments and supplies for the operation, passing them to the surgeon and assistant as needed. Additionally, the CVOR RN may be required to float into non-cardiac specialties when not engaged in cardiac cases. As a Registered Nurse III (RN III), the individual is responsible for the care of the assigned patient population and must complete yearly mandatory competencies, as well as any unit-specific competencies identified by the Director or Designee. This includes fulfilling the Professional Practice Ladder requirements, which involve taking on responsibilities as Charge Nurse, participating in performance improvement activities, and engaging in department initiatives. The RN III is also expected to communicate effectively with the Director/Designee and co-workers, maintain a current portfolio, and participate in committees to validate their involvement in professional development activities.