Anesthesia Block Nurse

Shifts:

The Block RN is tied to ortho/podiatry surgical blocks Monday–Friday 0600, 0630 for block procedures or 0900 for Phase II recovery;
Day/Eve part time 8.

The Registered Nurse provides direct patient care that is guided by the American Nurses Association (ANA) scope of practice. A Registered Nurse collaborates with patients, family/significant others, peers, physicians, and other members of the interdisciplinary health‑care team in the delivery of healthcare services to patients. The Registered Nurse assesses the patients’ needs, develops care plans, implements and evaluates the medical and nursing regimens in accordance with the hospital and nursing philosophy, policies, procedures, and standards.

They demonstrate leadership skills and commitment to professional accountability and growth.

• Completes patient assessment and reassessment as clinically indicated.
• Documents detailed information incorporating the plan of care, interventions and outcomes reflecting the patient's physical, mental, and emotional status.
• Ensures appropriate documentation based on the level of care the patient is receiving, including transfer/discharge documentation as indicated.
• Follows the five Rights of Medication Administration.
• Verbalizes to patients/family/significant other the medication they are receiving. Assesses the patient prior to administering medications noting allergies, parameters, potential side effects, effectiveness and intervenes as needed. Reassesses and documents response according to hospital policy.
• Coordinates and supervises the delivery of nursing care, including the delegation of tasks:
• Maintains accountability for care delegated.
• Actively works to promote a culture of safety:
• Assesses patients for potential safety risks.
• Adheres to hospital policies and procedures regarding patient safety. Initiates interventions related to identified risk factors.
• Conducts bedside shift report and bedside rounds with peer on assigned patients at shift change.
• Demonstrates quality by documenting the application of the nursing process in a responsible, accountable, and ethical manner.
• Ensures patient hand‑off as appropriate when leaving for breaks.
• Assesses learning needs of patient/family/significant other, plans and provides appropriate instruction using applicable teaching methods, and documents response to teaching.
• Cares for specific patient populations, irrespective of location, as necessary.
• Delivers patient‑centered care:
• Embraces the cultural diversity and differences of patients and team members.
• Respects the dignity of all individuals through the maintenance of the caring relationship.
• Maintains open lines of communication inclusive of actively listening.
• Meets accreditation, regulatory, and compliance responsibilities related to the position.
• Promotes a culture of learning and growth:
• Seeks experiences and formal and independent learning activities to maintain and develop clinical and professional skills and knowledge.
• Takes on mentorship, helping others succeed.
• Performs other duties as assigned within the state nursing scope of practice.

Associate’s degree in Nursing.

Required:

Current and unobstructed Connecticut Registered Nurse License (CT Hospitals). Preferred:
American Nurses Association endorsed certifications or Academy of Medical‑Surgical Nurses certification, based on specialty hours of work requirement.

• Manual: significant manual skills/motor coordination & finger dexterity;
  Physical Effort:
  Medium to Heavy, may exert up to 35 lbs. force.
• Occupational:
  Some occupational risk;
  Physical Environment:
  Some exposure to dirt, odors, noise, human waste, etc.
• Credentials: ACLS, RN, BLS.
• Company:
  Norwalk Hospital Association.
• Org Unit: 417.
• Department:
  Recovery Room.
• Exempt:
  No.