CTVS Staff Nurse

Job Description:

1. Preoperative Care:

• Patient Assessment: Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients physical and emotional health before surgery, reviewing medical history, allergies, and any pre-existing conditions (e.g., cardiovascular diseases, diabetes).
• Patient Education: Provide patients with information about the upcoming surgery, what to expect, and answer any questions they may have to alleviate concerns.
• Prepare the Patient: Assist in preparing the patient for surgery, including administering prescribed medications, ensuring appropriate fasting, and ensuring the patient is prepped (e.g., IV insertion, monitoring vitals).
• Lab Work and Tests: Assist in ordering and reviewing preoperative tests and lab work (e.g., blood work, ECGs, X-rays) and ensure that all results are available to the surgical team.

2. Intraoperative Care:

• Assist in the Operating Room (OR): Work as part of the surgical team in the operating room, providing support to the surgeon and surgical assistants. Duties may include handling surgical instruments, ensuring proper sterilization, and assisting in positioning the patient.
• Monitor Vital Signs: Continuously monitor and record patient vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) during the procedure, and promptly report any significant changes.
• Assist with Anesthesia: Assist the anesthesiologist in ensuring the proper administration of anesthesia and maintaining the patient’s sedation and comfort during surgery.
• Sterile Environment Maintenance: Ensure the operating room is maintained as a sterile environment by adhering to strict infection control protocols.

3. Postoperative Care:

• Monitor Recovery: Care for patients in the immediate postoperative phase in the recovery room or ICU, monitoring vital signs, fluid intake and output, and cardiac rhythms. Be prepared to identify any signs of complications (e.g., bleeding, infection, arrhythmias).
• Pain Management: Administer prescribed pain medications and monitor the patient for effectiveness and any adverse reactions. Adjust pain management plans as needed.
• Wound Care: Monitor and care for the patient’s surgical wound, including changing dressings, monitoring for signs of infection, and ensuring proper healing.
• Patient Education: Provide education to the patient and their family about the recovery process, activity restrictions, signs of complications (e.g., infection, thrombosis), and when to follow up with the surgical team.

4. Monitoring and Documentation:

• Vital Signs Monitoring: Regularly assess and document patient vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen levels, both during and after surgery.
• Patient Documentation: Maintain accurate and detailed records of patient care, including preoperative assessments, surgical progress, postoperative recovery, and any complications or concerns.
• Reporting: Communicate changes in the patient’s condition to the medical team and ensure that any necessary interventions are implemented.

5. Collaboration and Communication:

• Team Collaboration: Work closely with the cardiothoracic surgeons, vascular surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure coordinated care throughout the patient’s surgical experience.
• Family Communication: Provide updates to family members about the patient’s progress before, during, and after surgery, and address any concerns or questions.

6. Patient Safety and Infection Control:

• Safety Protocols: Adhere to hospital policies and protocols for patient safety, including the prevention of surgical site infections, deep vein thrombosis, and other complications.
• Infection Control: Follow strict infection control protocols, including the use of aseptic techniques, proper hand hygiene, and maintaining a sterile environment in the OR and patient rooms.

7. Post-Discharge Planning and Follow-Up:

• Discharge Planning: Assist in preparing patients for discharge, ensuring they understand the care plan, medications, and follow-up appointments.
• Patient Support: Provide ongoing emotional support and information about lifestyle changes, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery after surgery.