The Special Procedures Registered Nurse (RN) is accountable for providing a restorative healing experience for the patient and the patient's support systems in transformational partnership with the interdisciplinary team. Excellent skills in interpersonal communication, conflict resolution and an understanding of organizational development are required; as well as skills that reflect compassion and empathy. As an accountable professional, the Registered Nurse exercises autonomy (the right to undertake a specified action), authority (the power to implement action), and control (the ability to enforce the action in an ongoing and consistent manner) in order to ensure these excellent patient outcomes. Professional accountability is expressed in five areas: practice, quality assurance, competence, research, and resource management.

Responsibilities:

• Patient education - orients patients to operative events and procedures.  Teaches to the needs and abilities of the patients to alleviate fears and decrease anxiety.
• Patient Care - Collaborates with appropriate health care team members, patients and family/significant others to ensure continuity of care throughout their procedure.  Creates a safe environment and serves as patient advocate; evaluates, revises and documents the plan of care.
• Patient Assessment - Performs a thorough and ongoing nursing assessment of patient and data specific to the procedure.  Develops an individualized plan of care considering physical, psychosocial, cultural and spiritual needs of each patient.
• Treatment/Procedures - Implements the principles of medical and surgical asepsis.  Performs all treatment and procedures in accordance with established policies and procedures and patient care standards.  Demonstrates knowledge of the proper use and care of equipment and supplies.
• Documentation - Accurately documents pertinent patient information, utilizing the nursing process, on all required forms, to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Responsible for admitting, recovering and discharging of patients from the procedure areas.  Provides follow-up information as support as needed.
• Identifies physical symptoms and changes and takes appropriate action in a timely manner.
• Medication Administration – The RN provides all aspects of the medication process during the procedure including: assessment, administration, monitoring, and evaluation of the patient's response to the medication.
• Quality Assessment and Improvement (QAI) - Actively participates in the QAI process to achieve excellent patient outcomes and improved processes.
• Materials Management - Demonstrates an awareness of the need for cost containment and the economical use of patient supplies.
• Call - Contributes to the twenty-four (24) hour coverage of the Department for emergency procedures.
• Performs any other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing, currently licensed in the State of New York. BSN preferred. Membership in a professional organization preferred.

Experience:

• 3 years acute care nursing preferred with a focus on critical care or Emergency Room nursing experience.

Training/License:

• Thorough knowledge of Nursing Theory and practice.
• Thorough knowledge of appropriate technology and practice standards for area of responsibility.
• Demonstrates sound clinical skills: knowledge of Hospital structure, objectives and standard of practice, positive communication skills.
• ARIN, SVN, Cardiac-Vascular Nursing, or CCRN certification preferred.
• Conscious Sedation and ACLS required in for all areas except staff that are in the Breast Center ONLY .
• PICC certification is preferred in all special procedure areas.
• New York State Registered Nurse license required.

Other:

• Membership in a professional organization preferred.