OT Nurse (Scrub/Circulate Nurse)

MAIN OBJECTIVE OF POSITION

Main Purpose:

Organize and carry-out all Scrub nursing activities and circulating related to the operating theatre (OT) running, according to MSF health protocols, universal hygienic standards and in coordination with the surgeon and anaesthetist, in order to ensure a smooth functioning of the surgical activities (pre, dur-ing and post-operative care) offered to patients.

Accountabilities:

Before the operation:

• Ensure that the theatre has been cleaned before the trolley is set
• Ensure that the circulate has checked all equipment and materials (instrument sets, sutures, light, light handle, OT table, electro surgical unit, suction source and all paramedical items specific for each surgery)
• Call the patient from the IPD respecting the OT schedule.
• Check the identity of the patient by asking the patient before the starting of the surgery: name, type f surgery, side.
• Checking the consent if signed by the patient or his parent in case of paediatric surgery.
• know how to set a schedule and prioritize the surgery according to the situation of the patient and the type of surgery (age, medical history, emergency in case of bleeding or pain, clean and dirty surgery…
• Assist the anaesthetist during the induction before the surgery, anticipating their needs, in order to facilitate their job and helping throughout the whole process.
• after induction of the anaesthesia, installing the patient in the position specific for each surgery and like the surgeon want (lithotomy, supine, prone, lateral…
• uses sterile technique for scrubbing, gowning and gloving.
• receives sterile equipment via circulating nurse using sterile technique.
• performs initial sponges, instruments and needle count, check with circulating nurse.
• Perform assisting gowning and gloving to the surgeon
• Assemble the sterile drapes according to routine procedure.
• Secure suction tube and cautery cord with towel clips.
• Arrange the instrument on the mayo table.

During the operation:

• Maintain sterility throughout the procedure
• Awareness of the patient’s safety
• Adhere to the policy regarding sponge, instruments count, sutures needles
• After incision, assist the surgeon, watch the field, procedure and anticipate the surgeon needs.
• Pass the instrument using safe and correct technique
• Notify the circulating nurse if you need additional instrument or sutures
• Have always quick reaction, good communication and conscientious observation
• Thorough knowledge of anatomy and of operative procedures.
• Second verification of the count of the sponge, instrument, needles sutures with circulate nurse before the surgeon close the wound
• Clean the wound and around it before applying of the dressing.
• Transfer the patient from the OT room to the recovery room.
• Ask the hygienist to clean the room before we prepared for the next surgery.
• Implement and follow-up the hygiene, sterilization, asepsis and disinfection protocols and procedures always, in pre, during and post-operative activities, in order to ensure the patient and staff’s safety conditions. i.e. waste containers availability, sharps container, checking no material or needles remain in the surgical towels, placing instruments into soak container, take instruments/linen to sterilization unit, etc.).
• Perform cleaning and minor maintenance for biomedical equipment used. Follow user manual and protocols and alert supervisor in case of malfunctioning.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing with the authorization to practice as a registered nurse.

Experience

• Essential minimum 5 years’ experience as a Scrub Nurse in an OT. Circulate RN experience desirable but not essential. 

Languages

• Fluency in Arabic with basic knowledge of English is mandatory.