RN Surgery - job 4 of 5

As an RN Surgery at St. Mary Medical Center, your primary responsibilities include preparing patients for surgical procedures, providing care before, during, and after surgeries, assisting the surgical team in the operating room, and ensuring that all necessary equipment and supplies are available. You will also be responsible for updating family members on surgical statuses and developing nursing care plans tailored to each surgical patient, showcasing your skills in a fast-paced environment.

To apply for the RN Surgery position at CommonSpirit Health's St. Mary Medical Center, you must hold current licensure as a Registered Nurse in California, possess a minimum of three years of experience in an OR Circulator Role, and have certifications in Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Additional certifications such as EKG and CNOR are preferred but not required.

CommonSpirit Health is committed to the well-being of its RN Surgery staff by offering comprehensive benefits that include health, dental, and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, matching retirement plans, paid vacation time, and adoption assistance. By prioritizing the needs of our healthcare professionals, we help our team members thrive in both their personal and professional lives.

Success as an RN Surgery at St. Mary Medical Center requires strong communication skills, the ability to multitask effectively, and the capability to stay calm under pressure. You'll need to exercise good judgment during emergency situations, work well as part of a surgical team, and demonstrate compassion and empathy towards patients and their families throughout the surgical process.

At CommonSpirit Health, RN Surgery team members are encouraged to pursue ongoing education and professional development opportunities. This includes access to training programs, workshops, and resources that help enhance clinical skills, keep certifications current, and support career advancement within the organization. We believe in investing in our staff to maintain a high standard of care and personal growth.

In your response, highlight specific instances where you've acted as a surgical nurse, detailing the types of surgeries you've assisted with, your role in preoperative assessments, and how you've supported the surgical team during procedures.

Discuss your approach to maintaining a sterile environment, following protocols, and your role in monitoring the patient's condition before, during, and after surgery. Providing examples of how you've handled potential safety issues can strengthen your answer.

Give an example of a specific situation where you had to perform under pressure. Explain your thought process and the steps you took to ensure calm and effective patient care during the challenge.

Emphasize your communication style, ensuring clarity and reassurance are at the forefront. Discuss how you keep families informed about their loved one's status and address any concerns they may have during the surgical process.

Explain your preparation process. This can include reviewing patient histories, checking surgical equipment, collaborating with the surgical team, and ensuring that consent forms are signed, highlighting your attention to detail and organization.

Mention any continual learning practices, such as attending workshops, pursuing certifications, or following industry journals. This demonstrates your commitment to professional growth and providing the best care possible.

Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with surgeons and other nursing staff, sharing examples of effective teamwork. Discuss how communication and trust contribute to successful surgeries.

Share a specific example where your decision had a positive impact on patient outcomes. Describe the situation, your assessment, and the changes you implemented, showcasing your critical thinking skills.

Discuss your approach to monitoring patients for signs of complications, how you assess situations, and steps you take to intervene or alert the surgical team when necessary.

Align your answer with the organization's mission, values, and commitment to community healthcare. Express your passion for surgical nursing and how you see yourself contributing to CommonSpirit Health's goals.