CAREERS

Summary

The Pre-Admission Nurse is Responsible for the patient's admission and pre-operative care, holistic preparation for surgery, considering all needs, including pre-operative education, escorting family members, psychosocial needs and acting under established protocols, practices and standing orders.

Essential Functions

Schedules all pre-operative testing appointments 7-14 days prior to surgery and ensures all health information is collected 72 hours prior to surgery.

Coordinates pre-operative lab work required for individual patients, documenting and reporting pertinent results.

Performs thorough and accurate continual patient assessment, anticipating potential problems and reporting pertinent assessments to the anesthesiologist, supervisor and/or surgeon appropriately.

Documents actions in medical records completely and accurately in a timely manner.

Maintains patient confidentiality at all times by following all guidelines set forth by HIPPA.

Assesses patients to determine if an appointment is needed for specialized evaluations including pre-operative blood testing and/or diagnostic testing.

Monitors surgery schedule continually, communicating arrivals, cancellations, and delays, communicates with reception desk and contacts patients or surgeons who are late.

Makes post-operative phone calls, assesses the patient status and reports any pertinent information to supervisor and/or anesthesiologist.

Keeps the safety of patient, self and others a primary concern at all times; acts appropriately in an emergency situation.

Demonstrates good nursing knowledge base and rationale for actions, including cardiac monitoring.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Required Education and Experience

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

Required Skills and Certifications

Current BLS certification.

Current ACLS certification.

Current Louisiana Registered Nurse Licensure.

Summary

Assists surgeon during operative and invasive procedures. Ensures the operating suite is adequately prepared for the procedure. Monitors PAR level of all surgical instruments and supplies. Cleans and sterilizes all surgical instruments as needed. Participates in departmental staff meetings and performance improvement activities.

Essential Functions

Adapts procedures to meet the individual needs of patients for treatment.

Prepares room in a timely manner with all anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies and equipment for each individual surgical procedure.

Demonstrates competence in care of specimens and accurately handles specimens at all times.

Assists in positioning, prepping and draping patients for surgical procedures.

Accurately completes operating room counts (instruments, sponges, needles); follows the proper procedure in the event of incorrect count, reports all discrepancies to Circulating RN and surgeon and/or corrects immediately.

Maintains a safe environment for patients, co-workers and self, per hospital policies and procedures.

Checks all equipment/instruments needed, prior to each procedure to ensure proper functioning.

Protects patient sensitivities and right to privacy.

Follows aseptic technique, when opening sterile supplies and setting up procedures.

Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/healthcare errors.

Sets up, scrubs and prepares for procedures at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled time, unless otherwise directed by Circulating RN or DON.

Performs services requiring technical or manual skills under the direction of a Circulating RN.

Always maintains an orderly and sterile instrument table for the purpose of efficiency; follows department standard setup.

Cleans and prepares rooms between procedures and after the last case; restocks supplies, when necessary and organizes effectively for end-of-case cleanup.

Is fully responsible for the care of instruments/equipment during intra/postoperative phase, including cleaning and processing of instruments.

Follows written procedures for steam sterilization; knows responsibilities and the necessity for chemical and biological monitoring.

Consults with other staff members, when in question or unfamiliar with equipment or procedure.

Regularly collaborates with other members of the nursing team, in order to maintain equipment and supplies for surgical procedures.

Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of assigned cases and instruments and/or trays to be pulled for the procedure.

Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationship with coworkers for the patient's benefit.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

Standing/Walking: Standing and walking is required for the majority of time spent in the clinical area (4-8 hours). Standing in one position is required while performing certain aspects of patient care. Walking occurs on vinyl, tile, linoleum or carpeted floors.

Sitting: Sit while charting or entering data into a computer. One may also sit while receiving/giving verbal reports at the start/end of one's shift. It is also possible that sitting may occur during breaks and meal periods.

Lifting: Regular lifting of medical supplies, medications, patient supplies and patient charts is required. Also lifting CPR equipment and other medical equipment. One is required to assist in lifting and transferring patients of varying weights and is expected to request assistance when lifting, ambulating and repositioning patients. One must be able to reposition, transfer and ambulate patients safely.

Carrying: Frequent carrying of medical supplies and other items weighing up to 45 pounds is required, along with occasional carrying of certain medical equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Pushing: Pushing 70-100 pounds is required when administering patient therapy and care, as well as when pushing equipment such as oxygen tanks and monitors, and when transporting patients in wheelchairs, beds, or gurneys. Pushing is required at 3.5 pounds of pressure when administering CPR. Full manual dexterity of both upper extremities is required.

Climbing: No significant climbing is required; one may be required to climb a step stool.

Bending: Bending is required when administering patient care. One must be able to bend to touch the floor to remove environmental hazards.

Reaching: Reaching above one's head is required when performing aspects of care such as hanging and adjusting IV bags.

Squatting/Kneeling: Squatting or kneeling is required when operating medical equipment and performing aspects of patient care, such as CPR.

Twisting: Twisting at the waist is required when performing procedures.

Speaking: Must be able to clearly speak English to communicate, assess and educate patients and families. One must also be able to communicate verbally with physicians and other professionals involved in patient care.

Hearing: One must have normal hearing (aids permitted) in order to perform physical assessments, including listening with a stethoscope for bowel, heart, and lung sounds. One must also be able to hear to detect subtle, yet critical information regarding patient conditions including alarms and to communicate with physicians and other professionals involved in patient care.

Visual Acuity: Vision is required within normal limits (glasses or contacts permitted) for monitoring equipment, reading medical data, preparing and administering medications and injections, and performing physical assessments of patients including subtle changes in color.

Depth Perception: Required for fine tasks such as administering injections, and sterile catheter insertions (urinary, IV).

Fine Motor Skills: One must have fine motor skills in all fingers and be able to grasp and control medical equipment, and perform precise procedures such as sterile dressing changes. The ability to grasp objects such as a pen to prepare handwritten reports is also required.

Smell: One must have a normal sense of smell to detect odors indicating unsafe conditions or changing patient status.

Required Education and Experience

1-year previous experience in an operating room.

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) preferred.

Required Skills and Certifications

Current BLS certification.

Summary

The Radiology Technologist provides administrative and technical assistance in the coordination of radiologic activities. Coordinates delivery of radiology health care services to assist in diagnosis and treatment.

Essential Functions

Performs radiologic exams according to prescribed policies by determining proper radiological technique and selecting correct film.

Provides instruction to the patient prior to the exam and assists in patient positioning.

Addresses and responds to concerns or grievances related to diagnostic radiology referred by physicians, staff and patients.

Operates all radiological equipment according to accepted standards. Makes adjustments to settings according to patient protocol.

Adheres to federal and state safety guidelines as well as departmental policies and procedures.

Maintains knowledge of competency-based clinical education plans in an effort to support continuing education efforts.

Assists in the development, interpretation and implementation of departmental policies and procedures.

Triages patients; assists in the pre-op process; performs venipuncture and EKGs.

Maintains and orders supplies regarding areas of responsibility.

Assists in other diagnostic areas where required. (Lab, Cardiology, etc).

Completes patient logs properly and submits charge sheets to the billing company.

Demonstrates critical thinking/ problem-solving skills in daily activities.

Ability to understand and follow specific instructions and procedures.

Provides the highest quality patient care with consideration to special needs and/or behaviors relative to each patient’s physical and psychosocial needs.

Ensures safety by reporting problems and potential problems appropriately and in a timely manner. Maintains knowledge of, observes and enforces the safety measures in environment of care.

Performs various quality control procedures to maintain compliance with internal and external regulations.

Assists in training and cross-training fellow radiology technicians.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

Standing/Walking: Standing and walking are required for the majority of the time spent in the clinical area (4-8 hours). Standing in one position is required while performing certain aspects of patient care. Walking occurs on vinyl, tile, linoleum or carpeted floors.

Sitting: Sit while charting or entering data into a computer. One may also sit while receiving/giving verbal reports at the start/end of one's shift.

Lifting: Regular lifting of medical supplies, medications, patient supplies, and patient charts, all weighing up to ten pounds is required. Also lifting CPR equipment and other medical equipment weighing up to 45 pounds is required. One is required to assist in lifting and transferring patients of varying weights and is expected to request assistance when lifting, ambulating and repositioning patients. One must be able to support at least 75 pounds to reposition, transfer and ambulate patients safely.

Carrying: Frequent carrying of medical supplies and other items weighing up to 45 pounds is required, along with occasional carrying of certain medical equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Pushing/Pulling: Pushing/pulling 70-100 pounds is required when administering patient therapy and care, as well as when pushing equipment such as oxygen tanks and monitors, and when transporting patients in wheelchairs, beds or gurneys. Pushing is required at 3.5 pounds of pressure when administering CPR. Full manual dexterity of both upper extremities is required.

Climbing: No significant climbing is required; one may be required to climb a step stool.

Bending: Bending is required when administering patient care. One must be able to bend to touch the floor to remove environmental hazards.

Reaching: Reaching above one's head is required when performing aspects of care such as hanging and adjusting IV bags.

Squatting/Kneeling: Squatting or kneeling is required when operating medical equipment and performing aspects of patient care, such as CPR.

Speaking: Must be able to clearly speak English to communicate, assess and educate patients and families. One must also be able to communicate verbally with physicians and other professionals involved in patient care.

Hearing: One must have normal hearing (aids permitted) in order to perform physical assessments, including listening with a stethoscope for bowel, heart and lung sounds. One must also be able to hear to detect subtle, yet critical information regarding patient conditions including alarms and to communicate with physicians and other professionals involved in patient care.

Visual Acuity: Vision is required within normal limits (glasses or contacts permitted) for monitoring equipment, reading medical data, preparing and administering medications and injections, and performing physical assessments of patients including subtle changes in color.

Depth Perception: Required for fine tasks such as administering injections.

Fine Motor Skills: One must have fine motor skills in all fingers and be able to grasp and control medical equipment, and perform precise procedures such as sterile dressing changes. The ability to grasp objects such as a pen to prepare handwritten reports is also required.

Tactile Sensation: Radiology Technologist must be able to assess patients through palpation with fingers and hands and must be able to distinguish between warm/cold.

Smell: One must have a normal sense of smell to detect odors indicating unsafe conditions or changing patient status.

Required Education and Experience

2 years of experience as a Radiology Technologist.

Required Skills and Certifications

Current ARRT.

Current LSRT.

Current BLS.

Ability to manage and operate equipment safely and correctly.

Summary

Responsible for decontamination, cleaning, processing, and sterilization of supplies and equipment dispensed by the department following established infection control practices. Must be conscientious with regard to procedures and capable of working under pressure and interacting professionally with other departments within the hospital. Able to accept new ideas and learn position duties.

Essential Functions

Insures proper operation of autoclave units prior to use on a daily basis.

Runs biological and chemical tests at beginning of the day shift.

Records result in appropriate log.

Inspects gas and steam autoclaves for visible signs of malfunction and reports to OR Charge Nurse.

Processes or oversees all contaminated instruments and supplies returned to Central Service.

Uses knowledge of sterilization principles to correctly wrap or package items for sterilization.

Processes all items appropriately using steam sterilization.

Maintains appropriate spore testing on routine basis and documents results as required.

Assists with processing department supply charges and any other clerical work related to Central Sterile, as requested.

Works closely with Central Service and OR team and assists with orientation for new personnel.

Applies aseptic techniques in daily work assignments.

Performs general cleaning of the department; surface areas, racks, shelves, storage cabinets and all storage areas.

Stores all supplies and equipment.

Knowledgeable regarding handling and care of instruments, tray preparation and special procedure items.

Performs tray assemblage, proper packaging and preparation of all applicable supplies for sterilization.

Monitors sterility dates on supplies.

Properly loads, operates and cleans all sterilizers, gas and steam, and all general equipment using biological and chemical control tests as required by the department.

Reports malfunctioning equipment immediately to OR charge nurse.

Assists with monitoring and maintaining stock in the storeroom.

Insures proper operation of autoclave units prior to use on a daily basis.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

Be able to stand, bend, stoop and/or sit within a confined area for prolonged periods of time, up to 6 to 8 hours.

Be able to function without nourishment or medication for a period of time extending 6 to 8 hours.

Be able to lift, move, position and manipulate a patient who is unconscious; may be required to independently lift 50 pounds.

Demonstrate threading a needle with either hand and manipulate instruments, supplies and equipment with speed, dexterity and good eye-hand coordination.

Be able to move/ambulate around without assistive devices.

Demonstrate sufficient peripheral vision to anticipate and function while in the sterile surgical environment.

Be able to consistently identify and communicate colors used in color coding.

Hear and understand muffled communication without visualization of the communicator's mouth/lips within 20 feet.

Hear activation/warning signals on equipment.

Have the ability to remain alert at all times.

Have the ability to smell.

Have the ability to adapt to temperature variations.

Required Education and Experience

High School graduate or equivalent (GED).

Minimum 1-year experience as a central services technician.

Required Skills and Certifications

Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST).

Summary

Provides nutrition, planning, organizing, developing and directing dietary aides under the supervision of the Dietician. Assists in maintenance of a safe and clean environment. Supervises the dietary aides in accordance with current applicable state, federal, DHH/DNV and Public Health guidelines. Maintains performance improvement activities within the department and participates in continuing quality improvement (CQI) activities.

Essential Functions

Assures that special dietary needs are approved by the dietician prior to ordering.

Verifies correct diet is delivered and checks food temperatures prior to serving patients.

Assists in the coordination of dietary services with other departments as necessary.

Assures food is prepared and served under DHH/DNV and Public Health guidelines.

Orders, maintains and verifies inventory as needed for the Dietary department.

Ensures complete sanitation procedures at all times.

Verifies that meal order sheets are completed properly.

Verifies galley cabinets are locked when there are no patients.

Maintains inventory on all service materials (dishes, silver and glasses) and inspects for cracks and chips.

Oversees the maintenance of all coffee stations.

Maintains dietary supply closet, checking for expiration dates and discarding the outdated products.

Oversees defrosting and temperature logs of all refrigerators.

Maintains the physicians’ scrubs.

Maintains, orders, verifies and stocks linen.

Assists in locking the facility after hours.

Assists in preparing rooms for the next day by placing physician name plates on door, placing patient gowns and socks on bed.

Maintains Dietary Quality assurance program.

Participates in in-service education and on the job training for the Dietary department.

Assists in developing methods for determining the quantity and quality of food.

Supervises all dietary aides, creates work schedules and completes yearly evaluations of dietary staff.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands

Requires extensive mobility: walking, standing, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling.

Ability to sit, stand and walk for long periods.

Pushing, pulling and lifting of equipment and supplies.

Requires ability to speak, hear and to identify and distinguish colors.

Use of hands to reach, grasp, use fine finger movement and feel fine sensation to discern temperature, texture, size and shape.

Ability to lift up to 30 pounds.

Required Education and Experience

High school Diploma or equivalent (GED).

At least 1-year previous supervisor experience in foodservice.

Must be able to work a flexible schedule.

Required Skills and Certifications

Professional verbal and written communication skills.

ServSafe Manager Certification.

DHH Food Service Certification.