Position Overview

This role is essential to the surgical team, providing expert, patient-focused care throughout the perioperative period. The Operating Room Registered Nurse at the Clinical Nurse II level requires advanced skills, specialized certifications, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to ensure patient safety and excellent surgical outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, clean environment adhering to unit safety and infection control standards.
• Patient Care:
  • Coordinate with the healthcare team to deliver safe, efficient, and equitable care to surgical patients.
  • Perform thorough preoperative assessments to identify individual patient needs.
  • Create and implement personalized perioperative care plans.
  • Monitor patient responses during surgery and intervene promptly when necessary.
  • Advocate for patients, ensuring dignity and confidentiality.
  • Administer moderate sedation for Endoscopy procedures.
• Surgical Support:
  • Manage surgical instruments, equipment, and sterile supplies properly.
  • Handle and document surgical specimens according to protocols.
  • Anticipate surgical team needs to maintain smooth workflow.
• Safety and Compliance:
  • Strictly follow aseptic techniques and infection control policies.
  • Comply with regulatory standards including The Joint Commission, OSHA, and AORN guidelines.
  • Adhere to policies ensuring safe surgical care, including patient identification and prevention of retained surgical items.
  • Identify and report safety concerns, addressing systemic issues proactively.
• Documentation:
  • Accurately record perioperative care, patient progress, and intraoperative events in the electronic medical record.
• Professional Development and Leadership:
  • Mentor and precept Clinical Nurse I staff and students, supporting their growth.
  • Engage in continuing education, certifications, workshops, and quality improvement projects.
  • Serve as a resource and advocate for best practices within surgical services.
• Emergency Preparedness:
  • Respond decisively 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.
• At least two years as a CVOR Registered Nurse.
• Proven ability to manage complex cases across multiple surgical specialties including Neuro, Spine, HEENT, General, GYN, Vascular, Thoracic, Minimally Invasive, Robotic, and Orthopedics.
• Scrub experience is highly preferred.

Competencies

• Technical Skills: Proficient with advanced surgical equipment and technology; strong knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology; expertise in sterile field management and surgical protocols.
• Critical Thinking: Ability to make rapid decisions in high-pressure situations; prioritize tasks effectively and adapt to changing surgical demands.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong interpersonal abilities to foster teamwork.

Education

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

Licenses and Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse license in the state of California required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and American Heart Association Healthcare Provider certification required.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required; must be obtained within 90 days of hire if not already held.
• Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) certification preferred.

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