"Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Nurse"

Position Summary

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey is seeking an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Nurse within the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Oral Surgery Department. Under direction, the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Nurse utilizes specialized knowledge and skills to provide comprehensive care to individuals and groups of patients. The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Nurse ensures all procedures are performed based on established standards, and demonstrates competency in performing all procedures within scope of practice. Additionally, the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Nurse provides direct patient care or direction and supervision to other health team members to ensure implementation of the plan of care.

Key Duties:

• Works closely with patients before, during and after dental procedures while maintaining proper universal precautions and infection control procedures.
• Plans, implements and evaluates individualized care based on patient assessment and medical plan of care.
• Collects and interpret clinical data including vital signs, laboratory results and response to medical intervention.
• Assists doctor's performing dental procedures, provides excellent support such as passing instruments to dentist/surgeon during procedure in an efficient, organized and sterile manner.
• Provides chair-side assistance during all dental procedures.
• Performs and trains staff on conscious sedation to ensure dental procedures are accomplished.
• Initiates I.V. and EKG/Cardiac Monitor; monitors patient(s) while sedated and must be able to recognize abnormal cardiac rhythm. Monitors patients vital signs and symptoms.
• Observes patients post-operative recovery progress through ongoing assessment, including checking vital signs and supervising operative sites for bleeding.
• Manages patient vital signs and airway while recovering from anesthetics given during surgical procedures.
• Maintains medical records, and administered/delivered medications.
• Maintains patient safety, comfort and cleanliness.
• Documents all aspects of patient care/activity in accordance with standard procedures.
• Assesses the health status of assigned patients as outlined in the Nursing standards.
• Administers medications and parenteral therapies in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Teaches patient/significant others health/illness state and plan of care. Ensures patient/significant others are prepared for discharge and health maintenance in the home setting.
• Is knowledgeable of and initiates emergency procedures.
• Engages in nursing research activities.
• Serves productively on university/divisional/unit committees as assigned by Chair.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) required. Registered Nurse (RN) required. Two (2) years of progressively responsible nursing experience required. Must be certified in BLS. Must be certified in I.V. Experience in cardio monitoring.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds. WORK ENVIRONMENT: May be exposed to infectious agent.