Job Description
In this nursing role, you will prepare the operating room for the patient, Anaesthetist and Surgical team. It is the duty of the Anaesthetic nurse to assist the surgical team by connecting equipment and circulating. It is essential to maintain a high standard of nursing care. The role should be carried out in professional manner and in accordance with the Hospital’s protocols and consultants’ preferences. The role will also include Recovery Room Nurse duties. The recovery nurse is the primary patient advocate following surgery. This nurse monitors and cares for patients when they are still under the effects of anaesthesia.
Responsibilities
The tasks of the Theatre Anaesthetic Nurse involve making sure all necessary equipment is available for surgical procedures prior to surgery and also to ensure the theatre and its areas are maintained to the required standard before, during and after surgery. It is imperative that a sterile environment is maintained at all times.
- Other responsibilities include ensuring adequate levels of stock are maintained within theatre and to complete all swab checks and instrument checks in accordance with the company policy.
- Enforcing World Health Organisation’s ‘Safe Surgical Checklist’ will be expected.
- Providing a clear and concise pre/post operation handover from Ward/Recovery Nurse to ensure a smooth transition for the patient and also ensuring medical staff orders are correctly interpreted and carried out. Providing constant care to patients immediately following surgery. This may be a time frame anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, until the patient is stable enough either to be transported to his hospital room or discharged from the facility.
- Connecting the patient to devices such as cardiac monitoring equipment, and to intravenous therapy for fluids and pain medication.
- Monitoring patients’ vital signs, such as Blood pressure, pulse, RR, temperature; administration of oxygen suctioning.
- Monitoring patients for bleeding, pain management to assess patients’ comfort level.
- Administration of intravenous, IM, subcutaneous, PCA and epidural therapy.
- Transferring verbal and written information about the patient to the ward nurse responsible for the patient.
- Maintaining and providing necessary documentation, as appropriate.
- Rapidly reacting to signs of negative physical changes, calling for assistance and beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation, if necessary. Acting in a clear headed and knowledgeable way during an emergency.
Education and requirements
- Recognised degree in nursing
- Current licensure as a registered nurse with the Nurse and Midwifery Council of Malta
- Extensive knowledge of nursing care methods and procedures
- Knowledge of emergency care
- Ability to effectively communicate with patients, families and all medical and hospital staff
- A team player with effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Be responsible and compassionate
- Possess excellent communication skills
- Good time management
- Excellent organisation skills
- Professional and friendly attitude.
