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 dignity and comfort, and administer moderate sedation for endoscopy procedures. Evaluate the effectiveness of care and promote evidence-based practices.
• Surgical Support: Manage surgical instruments and equipment with precision, handle and document surgical specimens according to policy, anticipate surgical team needs, and maintain seamless workflow. 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 protocols to prevent retained surgical items and ensure patient identification and pre-procedure verification. 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, serve as a resource for best practices, and assume charge nurse or service line coordinator duties as needed.
• Emergency Preparedness: Respond decisively and calmly in critical situations such as cardiac arrest or massive hemorrhage, demonstrating advanced clinical skills 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 Program candidates must have five years of experience in ICU, ED, or PACU settings.
• Proficiency in managing 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 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 skills to collaborate with surgical teams, patients, and families.

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 state of California.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and American Heart Association Healthcare Provider certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required within 90 days of hire.
• Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) or equivalent certification preferred.

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

This opportunity is located in a vibrant regional area of the United States, serving diverse communities with a commitment to compassionate and high-quality surgical care.