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 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 tailored to surgical patients. Perform thorough preoperative assessments to identify patient-specific needs and develop individualized perioperative care plans. Monitor patient responses during surgery and intervene promptly when necessary. Advocate for patients, ensuring their dignity and comfort. Administer moderate sedation for endoscopy patients. Evaluate the effectiveness of care provided by the team 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 surgical specimens according to protocols, anticipate surgical team needs, and oversee inventory management for surgical supplies.
• Safety and Compliance: Maintain a clean, safe environment adhering to infection control standards and regulatory guidelines such as those from The Joint Commission, OSHA, and AORN. Follow strict aseptic techniques and facility policies to ensure safe surgical care, including patient identification and prevention of retained surgical items. Identify and report safety concerns proactively.
• Documentation: Accurately record perioperative care, patient progress, and any intraoperative events in the electronic medical record system.
• Professional Development and Leadership: Mentor new nurses and students, participate 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 competently in critical situations such as cardiac arrest or massive hemorrhage, demonstrating advanced clinical skills and calm under pressure.

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum two years as a Registered Nurse in a high-acuity operating room setting.
• For CVOR RN roles, two years of experience in cardiovascular operating room nursing is required.
• Transitional RN candidates must have five years of experience in ICU, ED, or PACU settings.
• Proficiency in managing complex surgical cases across multiple specialties including neuro, spine, general surgery, gynecology, vascular, thoracic, minimally invasive, robotic, and orthopedics.
• Scrub experience is highly preferred.

Competencies

• Technical expertise with advanced surgical equipment and technology.
• Strong knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
• Expertise in sterile field management and adherence to surgical protocols.
• 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 evaluation, drug screening, and background checks prior to employment.