Surgical Services Coordinator

At Mahaska Health the primary role of a Surgical Services Coordinator, Registered Professional Nurse, is to be responsible for delivery of patient care through the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation. Coordinates patient education, and activities of interdisciplinary personnel while maintaining standards of professional nursing in accordance with the established methods and procedures of Mahaska Health. Coordinates the day to activities of the department and will help with staffing needs throughout the day. Will work closely with Surgery director and supervisor on a daily basis to help with flow and needs of the surgery department.

Essential job responsibilities include but are not limited to,

• Assess condition of critical patients, consulting with interdisciplinary team necessary.
• Is aware of general condition of all patients on unit within the surgery department
• Investigate and intervene in problem situations reporting appropriate information to nursing supervisor, physicians, etc.
• Coordinate department routines, provide guidance to staff, orient new staff, and confirm presence and working order of emergency equipment.
• Provide direction and leadership through delegation of assignments.
• Consult with and/or advise appropriate personnel of situations requiring follow-up attention.
• Coordinating the day-to-day work for OR and ODS staff. (including breaks and lunches)
• Work with the Surgical Services Supervisor on weekly staffing.
• Step into direct patient care when we have staffing shortage for the day.
• Provides Nursing Care to Patients Utilizing the Nursing Process Determined by The Patients Assessed Needs.
• Assess and document physical, psychological, spiritual, and social dimensions of patients.
• Establish treatment priorities based on medical and nursing diagnosis.
• Initiate, implement, and modify an interdisciplinary plan of care individualized to each patients assessed needs including family.
• Utilize all available resources in planning care and consulting as necessary with physicians, supervisors, and interdisciplinary services.
• Provide ongoing reassessment and documentation of patient's status.
• Perceive patient problems and/or complications through assessment skills and implement appropriate action.
• Implement clinical and technical aspects of care and nursing orders in accordance with established standards.
• Safely prepare, administer, and document medications and IV therapy.
• Assess possible discharge needs at time of admission, throughout hospitalization, and finalize discharge planning with input from the interdisciplinary team, the patient, patient’s family, and other available resources.
• Assess for and provide patient and family education at their level of understanding regarding disease process and treatment plan.
• Organize workload effectively to accomplish care in a timely manner.
• Accurately transcribe and communicate oral and written physician orders.
• Communicate pertinent information regarding patient’s status to appropriate interdisciplinary team members, in a timely manner.
• Assist in the mentoring and orientation of new personnel to unit.
• Apply the principles of asepsis in a knowledgeable manner to provide optimal patient care.
• Understands the actions and use of anesthetic agents.
• Identify emergency situations and use sound judgment in instituting established procedures. Correct situation in a calm and efficient manner.
• Develop initiative to acquire and explore new surgical procedures and subjects relating to the operating room and to the surgical patients.
• Develop and improve skills in the surgical team and in the organization of work by learning to use economy in time, motion, and materials.
• Prepare and know the specific uses of all equipment and supplies for surgical procedures.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgical team in order to expedite the procedure, thus minimizing the patient’s exposure to trauma.
• Differential sterilization methods for special equipment and instruments for specific surgical procedures.
• Assists with statistical record keeping, proper charging of procedures, and participates in PI indicators/goals.
• Be flexible and able to multi-task; can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment, while also driving toward clarity and solutions; demonstrate resourcefulness in setting priorities.
• Be a role model of the Standards of Behavior set forth by Mahaska Health. Monitors and enforce team compliance to the Standards of Behavior.
• Uphold ethical standards and professional conduct.
• Live out our Culture Experience Book. Be a Servant Hearted Leader who will help solve problems and anticipate difficulties and help us become better by serving in a way that focuses on someone else’s interest instead of your own.
• Adhere to all confidentiality policies, including compliance with HIPAA and Mahaska Health training requirements.
• Maintain a cooperative working relationship with employees, visitors, medical staff, and patients, keeping in mind the person’s unique needs within their age category (refer to Mahaska Health’s Age Specific Standards of Care Policy).
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Attend required staff meetings, in‑service programs, and ongoing training sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support patient care, departmental operations, and organizational goals.

Job Requirements include but are not limited to,

• A graduate from an accredited school of nursing and currently licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the state of Iowa (or) a graduate from an accredited school of nursing and currently licensed as a Registered Nurse able to work in the state of Iowa. (Preferred)---OR---A graduate from an accredited school of nursing and currently licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse LPN) in the state of Iowa (or) a graduate from an accredited school of nursing and currently licensed as a Licensed Practical Nurse able to work in the state of Iowa. (Required)
• Two or more years’ experience as an RN or LPN.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in surgery preferred.
• Required to be current in BLS (Basic Life Support) by the standards of the American Heart Association.
• Required to be certified in ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) within one year of hire.
• On-call will be required for this position in addition to scheduled hours. Must be able to respond within 20 minutes when on call.
• Will be required to show proof of having completed Mandatory Reporter course at the time of hire or attend within 6 months of the start date.
• Must adhere to all training requirements as mandated by Federal, State, and Professional licensure and regulatory standards.
• Understand and comply with the requirements of MH’s Compliance Program, including, but not limited to the Code of Conduct, the Compliance Policy, Mahaska Health Experience Book and all supporting policies for compliance, and compliance plans affecting specific duties and responsibilities.
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and commitment to the mission of Mahaska Health.
•  Ability to perform the essential work functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation.