Scrub/OT-Theater Nurse

Job Summary

Under the general supervision of the MSIE Centre Coordinator, Centre Head, Centre Manager, or IPD Head, the Scrub/OT-Theater Nurse at the MCH Specialty Center provides essential perioperative nursing care and support during surgical procedures. This role includes preparing the operating room, ensuring instrument sterility, assisting the surgical team, and maintaining patient safety, in accordance with accepted medical standards and professional codes of conduct.

Duties and Responsibilities

General Nursing Duties

• Provide nursing services within the defined scope of practice based on patient assessment and care plans.
• Perform interventions such as taking vital signs, applying aseptic techniques including sterile dressing, ensuring infection control, monitoring nutritional intake, and specimen collection.
• Administer medications and document therapeutic effects.
• Provide pre-operative and post-operative personal and comfort care.
• Monitor patients' progress, evaluate nursing interventions, and consult with healthcare team members as necessary.
• Provide reproductive health and family planning education to patients and families.

Pre-Operative Preparation

• Prepare the operating room with surgical instruments, equipment, and sterile supplies.
• Verify the sterility of instruments and ensure aseptic standards are maintained.
• Assist with positioning patients on the operating table and ensure patient comfort and safety.

Intra-Operative Duties

• Assist the surgical team by passing instruments, sponges, and sutures.
• Maintain the sterility of the surgical field and adhere to strict aseptic techniques.
• Anticipate surgical team needs and provide instruments and materials promptly.
• Monitor and account for all surgical instruments and supplies to prevent retained items.

Post-Operative Care

• Assist in transferring patients from the operating room to the recovery area.
• Ensure proper disposal of surgical waste and decontamination of the operating room.
• Restock and prepare the operating room for subsequent procedures.

Collaboration and Communication

• Communicate effectively with surgeons, anesthetists, and other surgical team members.
• Report concerns or irregularities during surgery to the surgeon or OR supervisor immediately.
• Maintain accurate documentation of surgical procedures, including instrument and supply counts.
• Assist in emergency situations by responding rapidly and effectively.
• Ensure emergency equipment and supplies are available and ready.

Patient Safety and Advocacy

• Ensure patient safety by following all operating room protocols and guidelines.
• Advocate for patient needs and concerns throughout the surgical process.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to ethical and legal standards of care.

Related Duties/Tasks

• Apply universal precautions to prevent infection (e.g., HIV/AIDS) from blood or other body fluids.
• Account for all assets under custody during stock taking and audits.
• Maintain inventory of surgical supplies and instruments; ensure timely replenishment.
• Prepare and submit periodic reports as required.
• Report clinical incidents promptly according to MSIE guidelines.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.

Qualification Requirements

• BSc in Nursing or Operation Theater Specialty Nursing

• Minimum of two years’ relevant experience in perioperative or theater nursing

Skills, Attitudes, and Attributes:

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficient in perioperative nursing techniques and practices
• High accuracy in maintaining sterile environments and performing surgical counts
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to make quick decisions under pressure
• Physical endurance to stand for extended periods and handle operating room demands
• Commitment to patient care, advocacy, and ethical standards
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing surgical schedules and patient needs
• Awareness of Government, MSI, and MSIE regulations
• Pro-choice orientation

Requirement Skill

• Communication
• Problem Solving
• Organizational Skill
• Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills