Surgical Nurse Practitioner
A specialized nurse who assists surgeons during operations and provides pre- and post-operative care to patients.
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Sample Job Descriptions for Surgical Nurse Practitioner
Below are the some sample job descriptions for the different experience levels, where you can find the summary of the role, required skills, qualifications, and responsibilities.
Junior (0-2 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Surgical Nurse Practitioner to join our dynamic healthcare team. The successful candidate will provide support to surgeons and healthcare professionals in a clinical setting, ensuring comprehensive care for surgical patients.
Required Skills
- A sound understanding of surgical procedures and patient care.
- Strong clinical skills including surgical assisting, patient assessment, and emergency response.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with the healthcare team and interact with patients.
- Ability to work in a high-stress, fast-paced clinical environment.
- Detail-oriented with a commitment to patient safety and quality of care.
Qualifications
- Current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) with Nurse Practitioner (NP) designation in the state of practice.
- Graduate from an accredited Nurse Practitioner program.
- Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS).
- Eligibility to obtain Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration in the state of practice.
Responsibilities
- Assist in surgical operations under the supervision of surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other medical professionals.
- Provide preoperative and postoperative care to surgical patients.
- Educate patients about surgical procedures, potential risks, and post-surgery care.
- Monitor patient vitals and recovery process, addressing any complications promptly.
- Coordinate with the surgical team to plan and implement patient care plans.
- Ensure sterile techniques and infection control protocols are maintained.
- Document patient care services by charting in patient and department records.
Intermediate (2-5 years of experience)
Summary of the Role
A Surgical Nurse Practitioner (SNP) is a highly skilled and licensed healthcare provider focusing on the care of patients before, during, and after surgery. SNPs work in a collaborative environment, supporting surgeons and other medical professionals in both clinical and hospital settings. They are responsible for patient assessments, perioperative care, and often play a pivotal role in patient education and follow-up care.
Required Skills
- Exceptional clinical skills in a surgical setting.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to make critical decisions under pressure.
- Proficiency in electronic healthcare record systems.
- A high level of empathy and the ability to provide compassionate care to patients.
Qualifications
- Current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) and Nurse Practitioner (NP) in the applicable state.
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or higher degree from an accredited nursing program.
- Certification as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP), or certified in a relevant surgical specialty.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Nurse Practitioner, with a focus on surgical care.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
- Completion of an accredited Nurse Practitioner program with a focus on surgery or acute care.
Responsibilities
- Provide preoperative and postoperative care to surgical patients.
- Assess, diagnose, and treat patient health issues related to surgery.
- Collaborate with the surgical team to plan and implement patient care.
- Monitor patient health and recovery, modifying treatment plans as needed.
- Educate and advise patients and their families on surgical procedures, post-surgical recovery, and health maintenance.
- Prescribe medications, therapies, and necessary medical equipment.
- Order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests.
- Maintain accurate patient records and document patient progress.
- Assist in surgical procedures as needed.
Senior (5+ years of experience)
Summary of the Role
Seeking an experienced Surgical Nurse Practitioner to provide advanced nursing care in a surgical setting, work alongside surgeons and healthcare professionals, and manage patient care before, during, and after surgery.
Required Skills
- In-depth knowledge of surgical procedures and patient care.
- Strong clinical skills with the ability to perform under pressure.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
- Proficient in using electronic health records and medical software.
Qualifications
- Valid RN license and certification as a Nurse Practitioner.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Surgical Nurse Practitioner or in a related surgical nursing role.
- Ability to work in a high-stress, fast-paced surgical environment.
- Current BLS and ACLS certification.
- Master's degree in Nursing or a related field.
Responsibilities
- Assess patient health, perform physical exams, and interpret diagnostic tests prior to surgery.
- Assist surgeons during procedures by providing direct patient care and ensuring sterile techniques are adhered to.
- Monitor patients' conditions and provide updates to surgeons and the healthcare team.
- Develop and implement post-operative care plans to promote patient recovery.
- Prescribe medications, wound care, and other interventions to manage patients' post-surgical needs.
- Provide education and support to patients and their families regarding surgical procedures, recovery expectations, and health maintenance.
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