Job Description

Magnet Medical is seeking a travel nurse RN CVOR for a challenging opportunity in Charleston, South Carolina.

• Preoperative Patient Preparation:

  • Assess patients prior to surgery by reviewing medical histories, allergies, and current medications.
  • Prepare patients physically and emotionally for surgery, explaining procedures and answering questions.
  • Ensure all preoperative orders are completed, including labs, imaging, and medications, as prescribed by the surgical team.
  • Verify patient identity, surgical site, and procedure using a surgical checklist to ensure patient safety.
  • Assist with positioning patients on the operating table to ensure optimal access and comfort during the procedure.

• Intraoperative Nursing Care:

  • Assist with the setup of the sterile field and ensure all surgical instruments and equipment are ready for use.
  • Monitor the patient's vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and blood gases during surgery.
  • Administer medications (e.g., anesthetics, analgesics) and fluids as directed by the anesthesiologist or surgeon.
  • Assist the surgical team during complex cardiovascular procedures, such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair/replacement, or other heart surgeries.
  • Ensure the maintenance of a sterile environment, adhering to infection control practices and using sterile techniques during the procedure.
  • Respond promptly to any changes in the patient's condition, including complications such as arrhythmias or bleeding.

• Monitoring and Documentation:

  • Document patient status, interventions, and changes in condition in the electronic health record (EHR) according to hospital policies.
  • Record intraoperative events, including medications, blood products, and surgical team interventions.
  • Monitor and document patient responses to anesthesia, medications, and surgical interventions, and report any concerns to the surgical team.

• Postoperative Care:

  • Assist with the transfer of the patient from the operating room to the recovery unit or intensive care unit (ICU), ensuring stable vitals and ongoing monitoring.
  • Monitor the patient for signs of complications post-surgery, such as bleeding, infection, or arrhythmias, and take immediate action if needed.
  • Provide postoperative education to patients and families, including information on recovery, wound care, and activity restrictions.
  • Administer pain management and other medications as prescribed to promote comfort and recovery.

• Collaboration and Communication:

  • Communicate effectively with the surgical team, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical technologists, to ensure coordinated care.
  • Collaborate with the preoperative and postoperative care teams to ensure continuity of care and address any patient concerns.
  • Participate in surgical briefings and debriefings to discuss patient care, procedure outcomes, and any improvements needed for future surgeries.

• Emergency Response and Crisis Management:

  • Be prepared to manage critical situations, such as life-threatening arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, or excessive bleeding, during surgery.
  • Use advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) protocols and other emergency measures to stabilize patients when needed.
  • Work collaboratively with the surgical and anesthesia teams to handle unexpected complications quickly and efficiently.

• Sterilization and Equipment Maintenance:

  • Ensure all cardiovascular surgical instruments and equipment are sterilized, functioning, and properly maintained.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve equipment malfunctions quickly to minimize delays in surgery.
  • Ensure compliance with hospital policies and industry standards for infection control, including maintaining sterile technique and using proper PPE.

• Patient Advocacy and Support:

  • Advocate for patient safety and comfort before, during, and after surgery, ensuring the patient's well-being is the top priority.
  • Provide emotional support to patients and families, answering questions and offering reassurance about the surgery process and expected outcomes.

• Professional Development:

  • Stay current with the latest research, techniques, and best practices in cardiovascular nursing and surgery.
  • Participate in continuing education opportunities, including certifications and training specific to cardiovascular care (e.g., CNOR, CCRN, or Cardiac Surgery Nurse certification).
  • Collaborate with colleagues to enhance the CVOR department's practices and improve patient outcomes.