Position Overview

This Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN) at the Clinical Nurse II level plays a crucial role within the surgical team, delivering exceptional, patient-focused care throughout the perioperative process. The position demands advanced skills, specialized certifications, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary team members to ensure patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Care: Coordinate the healthcare team to provide safe, efficient, and equitable care tailored to surgical patients. Perform thorough preoperative assessments and develop individualized perioperative care plans. Monitor patient responses during surgery and intervene promptly when necessary. Advocate for patients, ensuring dignity and comfort. Administer moderate sedation for endoscopy patients. Evaluate care effectiveness and promote evidence-based perioperative practices. Serve as a liaison to surgical and anesthesia teams when applicable.
• Surgical Support: Manage surgical instruments and equipment with precision, handle and document specimens according to protocols, anticipate surgical team needs, and oversee inventory management for cardiac-related supplies when applicable.
• Safety and Compliance: Maintain a clean, safe environment adhering to infection control and aseptic techniques. Comply with regulatory standards including The Joint Commission, OSHA, and AORN guidelines. Follow facility policies to ensure safe surgical procedures and promptly report safety concerns.
• Documentation: Accurately record perioperative care, patient progress, and intraoperative events in electronic medical records.
• Professional Development and Leadership: Mentor new nurses and students, engage in continuing education and quality improvement initiatives, advocate for best practices, and assume charge nurse or coordinator roles as needed.
• Emergency Preparedness: Respond decisively and skillfully in critical situations such as cardiac arrest or massive hemorrhage.

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum two years as an OR RN in a high-acuity operating room setting; or two years as a CVOR RN for specialized roles.
• For transitional RN program candidates, five years of experience in ICU, ED, or PACU settings is required.
• Proven ability to manage complex cases across multiple surgical specialties including neuro, spine, general, gynecology, vascular, thoracic, minimally invasive, robotic, and orthopedic surgeries.
• Scrub experience is highly preferred.

Competencies

• Proficient with advanced surgical equipment and technology.
• Strong knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
• Expertise in sterile field management and surgical protocol adherence.
• Excellent critical thinking and rapid decision-making skills in high-pressure environments.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to foster teamwork and patient rapport.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred; Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with five years of high-acuity OR experience may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse license valid in the region.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications required; ACLS must be obtained within 90 days of hire if not current.
• Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) or equivalent certification preferred.

All candidates must successfully complete a physical evaluation, drug screening, and background checks prior to employment.

Regional Context

This opportunity is located within a vibrant healthcare community serving the Pacific Northwest coastal region, known for its commitment to advanced surgical care and patient safety.