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 period. The role 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 to surgical patients. Perform thorough preoperative assessments and develop personalized perioperative care plans. Monitor patient responses during surgery and intervene promptly when necessary. Advocate for patients’ dignity and administer moderate sedation for endoscopy procedures. Evaluate care effectiveness and promote evidence-based practices.
• Surgical Support: Manage surgical instruments and equipment properly, handle and document specimens according to policy, anticipate surgical team needs, and maintain inventory, especially for cardiac-related supplies.
• Safety and Compliance: Maintain a clean, safe environment adhering to infection control and regulatory standards such as The Joint Commission, OSHA, and AORN guidelines. Follow protocols to prevent retained surgical items and ensure patient identification and verification.
• Documentation: Accurately record perioperative care, patient progress, and any intraoperative events in the electronic medical record.
• Professional Development and Leadership: Mentor new nurses and students, engage in continuing education and quality improvement initiatives, and serve as a resource and advocate for best surgical practices. May assume charge nurse or service line coordinator duties as needed.
• Emergency Preparedness: Respond decisively and skillfully in critical situations such as cardiac arrest or massive hemorrhage.

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum two years as a Registered Nurse in a high-acuity operating room setting.
• For CVOR RN roles, two years of cardiovascular OR experience is required.
• Transitional RN Program candidates must have five years of experience in ICU, ED, or PACU.
• Proficiency in managing complex surgical cases across multiple specialties including Neuro, Spine, General, GYN, Vascular, Thoracic, Minimally Invasive, Robotic, and Orthopedics.
• Scrub experience is highly preferred.

Competencies

• Technical expertise with advanced surgical equipment and strong knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
• Excellent critical thinking and rapid decision-making skills in high-pressure environments.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to foster teamwork and patient-family interactions.

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 in the relevant state.
• 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 is preferred.

All candidates must successfully complete a physical exam, drug screening, and background check 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.