Surgical Liaison

MedStar Health
United States, D.C., Washington
Jan 16, 2025
Serves as a personal contact who provides support and helps to alleviate stress for families of surgical patients during the perioperative period, acting as a link in the communication network between family, patient and staff. These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and Georgetown University Hospital's philosophy, policies, procedures and standards. Education Associate's degree degree in Nursing preferred or Associate's degree in Related field required Experience 1-2 years Hospital, nursing or comparable experience in acute care setting required Licenses and Certifications RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Effective communication skills, including strong listening ability; diplomacy skills; exceptional customer service skills and willingness to go the extra mile to provide assistance to our patients and families. Supports, comforts and assists families of surgical patients on the day of surgery, traveling back and forth continuously between the Operating Room, Surgery Center, Post Anesthesia Care Unit and the patient's families. Makes rounds in surgical waiting rooms, identifying families and their relationship to the patient and informs surgeon of family's location. Collaborates with nursing staff, volunteers, support staff, surgeons in order to facilitate and support timely and private communication and information on the patient's progress to families and/or friends throughout the entire perioperative process. Provides reassurance to the patient that on the day of surgery, his or her family member/significant other will be kept informed of patient's location and adherence to or delays in the operating room schedule. Relays messages between patient, family member/significant other and the surgeon. Maintains personal contact with and arranges privacy for family member(s)/significant other(s) who may need to be by themselves, have special concerns, or who may have received an unfavorable medical report from the surgeon. Assists with guiding patient families such as hospital resources and facilities and their locations. Collaborates with Post Anesthesia Care Unit nurses and if needed, prepares and escorts families to & from the PACU following patient's surgery. Assumes other duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this position and are not to be considered as all-inclusive.