outpt surgery?

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What kind of procedures are typically done at outp surg centers? I came across a position at one, and the hours are great. Trouble is, I've never liked surgery all that much. If it's just minor, I could handle it, but otherwise, I don't know. What are the RN responsibilities at an outpt surg facility? It's a little clinic type place, not even on the hospital campus. It is associated with the hospital, though. I want it, because I want those hours, but I just don't know if I would be able to handle the surgery part of it. I don't want to apply and then get there and be all squeamish or something, haha! Thanks!!

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Specializes in CNA, Surgical, Pediatrics, SDS, ER.

You lucky girl I would love to have that position. Where I work we only rotate to our SDS no fulltime hires up there. It is one of my favorite places to work.

For OP surg we don't do major procedure those cases go to our surg floor. We do a lot of colons/egd's, ESWL, kidney stent/removals, cateracts, lap choles, LAVH's, knee scopes, shoulder scopes, T&A's, myringotomy tubes ect.... We have to get the patients admitted go through the paperwork, check allergies, make sure they took their meds on the anesthesia list, start their IV's sometimes start their abx, get VS, call anesthesia, make sure current H&P, notify anesthesia of any pertinent info.

Post op we feed & water them, take VS, make f/u appt, make sure they void if they had general anesthesia, make sure their pain is under control, and education for d/c. I love love love it and if I could find that job I would take it in a heart beat.

Good luck to you. If you get the job I hope it grows on you.

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I know this is a dumb question, but do you do anything during the actual procedure? I think I would love this job, but I'm just worried that I might be too grossed out if I have to assist during the procedure! That would be so embarassing! I had a procedure done on my sinuses there, and I loved what the RN did, which was just what you described. I don't know what she did after I went to sleep, though, haha! If it's preop or postop I would be fine, but if it's anything during, I wouldn't. I don't even know if it's that I'm squeamish so much as it's just that I don't have the attention span for it. Watching the procedures that I saw in nsg school, I could hardly stand it!!!!! Thanks!!!

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Specializes in CNA, Surgical, Pediatrics, SDS, ER.

At my facility we have the OR nurses that assist during the procedures, the PACU nurses who are w/ the patient until they come out of anesthesia, then they come back to the floor where we post op them. They should specify what will be expected of you during the interview but if they don't that would be a good question to ask.

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True...thanks! Maybe I'll go for it...probably wouldn't get it even if I did, but I guess it doesn't hurt to try!

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Specializes in CNA, Surgical, Pediatrics, SDS, ER.

If that's what you want go for it. Good luck!

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Doesn't the posting have a desription that tells you if it is an OR or pre/post op position? A bit about duties? A number for more info?

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No, this is the "position summary":

"This position provides nursing care to patients and families along the health-illness continuum while collaborating with the health care team. The RN is accountable for the practice of nursing as defined by the state statutes. The RN delegates nursing tasks to licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs)."

Useful, huh? It's an internal posting, that's the exact same thing that 90% of the jobs say. :bugeyes:

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