Work With Us

Required Skills

• Performs and results waived point-of-care testing such as urine pregnancies, urine dipsticks, rapid strep screens, RSV, influenza, and Hem occult testing.
• Correctly enter patient demographic and billing information into the hospital admitting system. Understands insurance policy numbers and carrier codes.  Verifies diagnosis with test order for Medicare reimbursement. Prints the ABN and obtains necessary patient information on required situations. Provides accurate communication to assist outpatients in the Medicare process.
• Accurately identify and obtain blood specimens from patients of all ages, employees, etc. as requested by authorized personnel (i.e. physicians, nurses, residents) using correct technique and appropriate equipment. Maintains productivity at a rate comparable to other experienced staff (6-8 patients per hour).
• Reads, interprets and correctly enters outpatient and non-patient physician orders, questioning any unclear order with supervisor. Rechecks the order for errors, making any necessary corrections.  Performs cancellations requested by authorized personnel using proper documentation.
• Participates in the collection of special procedures (ISP, drug screens, EBT, cultures, Influenza/RSV’s, research studies, bone marrows, capillary collections, therapeutic phlebotomy, cortisol stimulation testing, etc.). Assist non-laboratory personnel with specimen requirements and collection procedures.
• Ensures specimen integrity by adhering to appropriate laboratory packaging protocols. Ensures that all specimens received from client and physician offices are documented against packing lists and follows up with the site in the event all specimens are not received. Completes tracking logs and prepares specimens for courier pick up.
• Monitors daily phlebotomy actions by the use of various computer programs and logs (ORV, collection list, will call board, etc.). Maintains specimen tracking by correctly logging in all specimens with the correct time and date of specimen collection.
• Maintains Phlebotomy and clerical areas in a clean and orderly manner. Order and maintain supplies and keep areas stocked accordingly.Inputs all faxed orders into the lab orders database, questioning any illegible order, calls physician’s office with clarification of test order and patient demographics and order request (standing or one time).
• Communicates telephone or verbal messages effectively to appropriate lab divisions, personnel or administrative staff. Provides effective communication to the outpatient either in person or by telephone. Gives patient test results to nursing units and physician offices in accordance with medical center policies either verbally or by fax communication.Performs other related work as required or requested.

Required Skills

1. Commitment to the Profession

• Participates in establishing and improving the standards of nursing practice (including but not limited to MMC patient care guidelines, policies and procedures and national specialty standards of nursing care.)

1. Understands and utilizes written standards of nursing practice.

• Exhibits self-direction for identifying professional goals and learning needs. Shares professional knowledge through collaboration and education.
• Develops and implements a plan to meet identified needs. Shares nursing practice knowledge with peers.

• Demonstrates awareness of unit, organizational and public policies that effect health care delivery and nursing practice.
• Demonstrates awareness of and utilizes unit and Nursing Division policies in daily practice.

1. Autonomy

• Demonstrates professional judgment and accountability; clarifies and promotes differentiated nursing practice.
• Demonstrates accountability for practice which supports Nursing Division Mission/Vision and Core Beliefs. Daily performance reflects nursing scope of practice/licensure.  Appropriately delegates components of patient care.
• Aims to provide nursing care that exemplifies best in practice.

• Exhibits creativity, flexibility, and effectiveness.
• Demonstrates creative, flexible and effective problem-solving techniques. Identifies and refers atypical/complex problems to appropriate persons in a timely manner.

1. Responsibility to Society

• Encourages health and safety in the work environment.
• Demonstrates compliance with the health and safety principles necessary to avoid/prevent injury to self/others.

• Demonstrates accountability for the legal/ethical standards of nursing practice.
• Practices within established legal/ethical guidelines of nursing practice. Supports the patient’s/significant other’s rights of self-determination.

1. Expertise

• Use of the nursing process:
• Cares for designated group of patients as follows:
• Demonstrates knowledge and clinical competence necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient type and individual needs of patients served on the assigned unit.
• Applies knowledge of growth and development relative to patients served.
• Appropriately and consistently documents on the Patient Profile.
• Completes holistic patient assessments and demonstrates in-depth and complete knowledge of assigned patients’ stories.
• Utilizes ClinDoc and Surginet electronic documentation to communicate the patient’s story and plan of care in exchange of shift reports to ensure continuity of care.

• Uses appropriate interpersonal skills.
• Consistently acts and communicates in a professional manner that enhances patient/family/employee/ physician satisfaction. Discourages gossip and complaining with and about others.  Consistently responds constructively to difficult situations and/or conflicts.  Promotes team effectiveness.

1. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values:

• SAFETY: Prevent Harm – I put safety first in everything I do.  I take action to ensure the safety of others.
• COURTESY: Serve Others – I treat others with dignity and respect.  I project a professional image and positive attitude.
• QUALITY: Improve Outcomes – I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance.  I work with others to achieve superior results.
• EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste – I use time and resources wisely.  I prevent defects and delays.

1. Specialized Responsibilities

• Initiates appropriate intraoperative behaviors unique to first assistant; if trained to do so.
• Provides hemostasis to reduce potential for post-operative infection and potential for fluid-volume deficit by clamping and/or ligating vessels, using electrosurgical cautery, applying direct pressure, applying chemical agents that promote coagulation, and other means as directed by surgeon.
• Provide exposure of the operative site through the appropriate use of retractors and other instruments and through suctioning and sponging.
• Uses surgical instrumentation skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose as directed by the surgeon.
• Handle all varieties of tissue appropriately to reduce potential for injury or compromised blood supply.
• Sutures skillfully all varieties of tissue with the appropriate suture, materials and suturing techniques.
• Able to interact with perfusion in getting patient ready for bypass and able to assist surgeon with cannulation.
• Must be proficient in a circulator, scrub, and first assistant role.
• Reviews patient positioning; makes recommendations to surgical team based on individual patient needs and surgical requirements.
• Coordinates the surgical team in appropriate draping technique for assigned procedures.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of surgical anatomy.

• Saphenous vein graft harvest
• Able to describe anatomy and physiology of the vascular system.
• Demonstrates excellent knowledge of sterile technique.
• Demonstrate ability to perform and/or assist in preoperative planning including chart review for pre-existing conditions that may affect harvest, review and interpret pertinent testing such as saphenous vein mapping to aid in decision making.
• Able to recognize potential complications and adaptations to decrease the occurrence of complications
• Able to demonstrate safe, competent technique in endoscopic harvest of saphenous vein under the direction of the surgeon.
• Able to prepare and properly handle vein conduit prior to surgeon preparation for grafting.
• Maintains competence by performing a minimum of 12 cases per calendar year.

1. Performs other related work as required or requested.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Required Skills

1.  Performs duties in capacity of “scrub” technologist as prescribed by hospital policies and procedures.

• Sets room for a routine, uncomplicated procedure with supplies and equipment in 5-15 minutes.
• Sets room for complicated or multi-procedure case requiring many special supplies in 30 minutes.
• Assists circulator in checking equipment.
• Assists circulator in obtaining supplies prior to bringing patient to room.
• Has basic knowledge of instrumentation and its appropriate use.
• Checks instrumentation regarding cleanliness, function, correct number of pieces, and completeness of tray.
• Allows adequate time for preparation of supplies and counting (i.e., routine case 15 minutes, complicated case 30-40 minutes).
• Has basic knowledge of surgical procedures.
• Organizes and maintains a neat, clean mayo, instrument, and back tables.
• Attempts reasonable anticipation of sequence of instrumentation.
• Properly identifies medication.
• Handles floor stock medications or medications delivered from pharmacy directly or through the pneumatic tube station. Relocate these medications, in original containers, to designated secure storage locations or delivers directly to appropriate licensed staff.
• Keeps track of sponges, needles, and instruments during procedure at all times.
• Relays accurate identification of specimens and cultures.
• Organizes and assists in end-of-case clean up.
• Separates sharp and delicate instruments during clean up.
• Assists in pulling cases.

2.  Assists in maintenance of safe environment for patients and staff.

• Has knowledge and applies principles of good aseptic practice (i.e., appropriate scrub length, OR attire, proper gowning, gloving, and draping methods).
• Checks sterile supplies for proper packaging and dating.
• Actively assists in recognizing and reporting breaks in sterile technique.
• Requests assistance of Sterile Processing personnel in preparation of instruments for immediate reuse.
• Follows protocol for universal blood- and body-fluid precautions at all times.
• Prevents loss of instruments by thorough search of drapes before they are discarded.

3.  Assists in the orderly function of the OR.

• Demonstrates flexibility in a team effort (i.e., takes required supplies from circulator when offered).
• Checks room for and puts away excess supplies and equipment.
• Takes initiative and seeks appropriate opportunities to update and maintain surgical skills (i.e., requests certain cases and attends inservices).
• Assists in checking to-follow cases for completeness and accuracy.
• Assists in orientation of new personnel.
• Actively participates in checking and maintaining assignment by participating as a permanent team member.
• Participates in updating surgeon’s preference list.
• Reports to assigned room on time.
• Understands and follows disaster plan.
• Follows hospital/unit policies, procedures, and behavioral expectations.
• Uses designated lines of communication and authority.
• Willingly assists co-workers to facilitate patient care.
• Attends 65 percent or a minimum of 6 unit staff meetings per year, whichever number is greater. Seeks excused absences by OR director or specialty supervisor when needed.  Reviews and signs minutes.
• Attends or participates in JCAHO and other mandatory inservices.

4.  Initiates appropriate intraoperative behaviors unique to first assistant, if trained to do so.

• Provides hemostasis to reduce potential for post-operative infection and potential for fluid volume deficit by clamping and/or ligating vessels, using electrosurgical cautery, applying direct pressure, applying chemical agents that promote coagulation, and other means as directed by surgeon.
• Provides exposure of the operative site through the appropriate use of retractors and other instruments and through suctioning and sponging.
• Uses surgical instrumentation skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose as directed by the surgeon.
• Handles all variety of tissue appropriately to reduce potential for injury or compromised blood supply.
• Sutures skillfully all varieties of tissue with the appropriate suture materials and suturing techniques.

5.  Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills

1. Professional Nursing Care

• Age appropriate assessment.
• Data analysis to identify nursing problems.
• Defines individualized patient outcomes.
• Develops an interdisciplinary, individualized plan of care in partnership with patients and families.
• Implements specified interventions to attain expected outcomes.
• Evaluates the patient’s progress toward attainment of outcomes, revising the plan when indicated.

1. Supervision and Delegation

• Delegates patient care tasks to LPNs and unlicensed assistive personnel based on job description, individual capability and patient needs.
• Communicates patient status and caregiver performance expectations.
• Appropriately supervises performance of LPNs and unlicensed assistive personnel.
• Directs performance improvement for LPNs and unlicensed assistive personnel.
• Builds teamwork when supervising and delegating to others.

1. Communication and Collaboration

• Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills.
• Uses therapeutic communication techniques.
• Demonstrates assertiveness.
• Communicates relevant patient information to other members of the health team.
• Documents patient care according to Memorial policies and procedures. 
• Ensures appropriate implementation of physician’s orders.
• Accesses electronic data to facilitate patient care.
• Creates and maintains a collaborative work environment.
• Participates in interdisciplinary planning and decision making.
• Precepts new nursing employees and/or nursing students.

             4. Quality and Safety

• Identifies and resolves safety risks.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement
• Participates in the periodic review and revision of policies, procedures, and standards of care.
• Complies with all safety policies.

1. Embodies the Memorial Health System Performance Excellence Standards of Safety, Courtesy, Quality, and Efficiency that support our mission, vision and values:

• SAFETY: Prevent Harm – I put safety first in everything I do.  I take action to ensure the safety of others.
• COURTESY: Serve Others – I treat others with dignity and respect.  I project a professional image and positive attitude.
• QUALITY: Improve Outcomes – I continually advance my knowledge, skills and performance.  I work with others to achieve superior results.
• EFFICIENCY: Reduce Waste – I use time and resources wisely.  I prevent defects and delays.

1. Professional Accountability

• Demonstrates ethical decision making.
• Advocates for patients and families.
• Appropriately follows the chain of command.
• Adheres to the Memorial Health System Behavioral Standards.
• Develops annual plan for own professional development.
• Participates in community health initiatives.
• Participates in community organizations.
• Contributes to nursing research activities and applies findings in clinical practice.
• Participates in nurse peer review process.

 7. Performs other related work as required or requested.

 The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  Incumbents may be requested to perform tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.