REGISTERED NURSE- SPECIAL PROCEDURES LAB (TR/PRN Days)

The Registered Nurse (RN) in Special Procedure Lab at Riverside Healthcare is responsible for delivering safe, efficient, and compassionate care to surgical patients. The registered nurse is responsible for the administration of the total nursing care within the Special Procedure Lab physical environment, administrative structure and according to established policies and procedures. The ideal candidate will have strong clinical and interpersonal skills, the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently, and a commitment to excellence in delivering high-quality, patient-centered care. Additionally, this position requires flexibility with assignments within professional scope/duties/licensure.

Essential Duties

Patient Assessment, Monitoring, and Care Planning:

• Perform comprehensive initial and ongoing assessments of patients post-procedure, monitoring vital signs, level of consciousness, pain levels, and overall recovery progress.
• Recognize and respond to changes in patient condition, implementing interventions as needed, and escalate care to the appropriate medical providers when necessary.
• Develop and implement individualized care plans based on the physical, emotional, and psychological needs of the patient in collaboration with the healthcare team.

Post-Procedural Care and Treatment Administration:

• Administer prescribed medications, treatments, and procedures, including IV medications, pain management, and sedation reversal as appropriate.
• Provide wound care and ensure all surgical sites are properly monitored for signs of infection or complications.

Patient Education and Support:

• Educate patients and families on post-procedural care, medications, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments.
• Provide compassionate support and clear instructions to ease patient and family anxiety, promoting a smooth recovery process.
• Offer resources and guidance for managing health and recovery post-discharge.

Collaboration and Coordination of Care:

• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care, manage treatment plans, and participate in interdisciplinary team meetings.

Documentation and Compliance:

• Maintain accurate documentation of patient assessments and interventions, ensuring regulatory compliance. 
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and adhere to safety protocols to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Emergency Response and Infection Control:

• Respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies, performing life-saving procedures and stabilizing patients as required.
• Follow infection control protocols to maintain a safe environment for patients and staff.
• Assist with procedural setup and maintenance of a sterile environment.

Ongoing Education:

• Engage in ongoing training to stay current with best practices and evidence-based care.

Preferred Experience

• Previous experience on surgical unit and telemetry experience desirable
• Membership in ILSPAN, ASPAN, and AORN professional organizations encouraged

Required Licensure/Education

• Graduate of an approved school of nursing
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Illinois.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification and PALS certification within 6 months of hire
• *New Graduate RNs starting on or after 1/1/25 must earn Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) within 3 years of start date. 

Preferred Education

• Bachelors degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred*
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Employee Health Requirements

Exposure/Sensory Requirements:

Exposure to: 

• Chemicals: Disinfectants, refer to MSDS
• Video Display Terminals: Average 
• Blood and Body Fluids: Potential for exposure with each surgical procedure. Universal precautions followed on all procedures greatly reducing the risk to the personnel.
• TB or Airborne Pathogens: Extreme potential for exposure with each surgical procedure. Universal precautions followed on all procedures greatly reducing the risk to the personnel

Sensory requirements (speech, vision, smell, hearing, touch):

• Speech: Required to communicate with patients/families/staff/physicians. 
• Vision: Required to read monitors, medication labels, doctor order sheets. 
• Smell: Helpful for electrical/fire safety. 
• Hearing: Necessary for phone/intercom/doorbell, alarms, fire alarms. 
• Touch: Necessary for writing, patient care. 

Activity/Lifting Requirements: 

Percentage of time during the normal workday the employee is required to:

• Sit: 10%
• Twist: 4%
• Stand: 40%
• Crawl: 0%
• Walk: 25%
• Kneel: 1%
• Lift: 10%
• Drive: 0%
• Squat: 1%
• Climb: 1%
• Bend: 30%
• Reach above shoulders: 3%

The weight required to be lifted each normal workday according to the continuum described below:

• Up to 10 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 20 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 35 lbs: Frequently
• Up to 60 lbs: Occasionally
• Up to 75 lbs: Not Required
• Up to 100 lbs: Not Required
• Over 100 lbs: Not Required

Describe and explain the lifting and carrying requirements. (Example: the distance material is carried; how high material is lifted, etc.):

Lifting of patients off their beds that are unable to move independently is done with assistive lifting equipment. Horizontal movement of patients to and from carts/beds who are unable to move independently is done with assistive lifting equipment. Lifting equipment - carry 25'-150' waist high (IV bags, patient trays). Carry charts 25'-150' waist high. Filled laundry bags are filled half full so as not to weigh over 35 lbs. Carry fire extinguishers up or down 3-4 flights of stairs and several yards in an emergency.

Maximum consecutive time (minutes) during the normal workday for each activity:

• Sit: 30
• Twist: 15
• Stand: 60
• Crawl: 0
• Walk: 10
• Kneel: 0
• Lift: 5
• Drive: 0
• Squat: 2
• Climb: 1
• Bend: 15
• Reach above shoulders: 2

Repetitive use of hands (Frequency indicated): 

• Simple grasp up to 10 lbs 
• Normal weight: <5lbs 
• Pushing &pulling - 50-200 lbs: Occasionally 
• Fine Manipulation: Typing in computer, omnicell, using pens to chart, drawing up meds in syringe and administration, starting IV's.
• Leg Strength - Up to 50 lbs: Occasionally

Repetitive use of foot or feet in operating machine control: utilized in positioning beds during transport; x-ray, surgery or in an emergency situation from floor to floor, locking beds or cardiac chairs.

Environmental Factors & Special Hazards:

• Environmental Factors (Time Spent): 
• Inside hours: 8-10 
• Outside hours: 0 
• Temperature: Normal 
• Range Lighting: Average 
• Noise levels: Average 
• Humidity: Normal Range 
• Atmosphere: Fumes
• Special Hazards: Electrical, Chemical - cleaning disinfectants, compressed air tanks, O2
• Protective Clothing Required: OR scrubs supplied, gowns, gloves, masks, shoe covers, goggles, lab coats