Job Description
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. This 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 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 provided by the team and promote evidence-based perioperative practices. Serve as a liaison to surgeons, anesthesia providers, and leadership when applicable.
- Surgical Support: Manage surgical instruments, equipment, and sterile supplies with precision. Handle and document surgical specimens according to protocols. Anticipate surgical team needs to maintain smooth operations. Oversee inventory management, including cardiac-related supplies, and coordinate reordering as needed.
- Safety and Compliance: Maintain a clean, safe environment adhering to infection control and aseptic techniques. Comply with regulatory standards such as The Joint Commission, OSHA, and AORN guidelines. Follow 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 graduate nurses, new hires, and students to support their growth. Engage in continuing education, certifications, workshops, and quality improvement initiatives. Act as a resource and advocate for best practices within surgical services. Assume charge nurse or service line coordinator roles 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 of experience as a Registered Nurse in a high-acuity operating room setting.
- For CVOR RN roles, two years of specialized experience in cardiovascular operating rooms is required.
- Transitional RN Program candidates must have five years of experience in ICU, ED, or PACU settings.
- 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 proficiency with advanced surgical equipment and technology.
- Strong knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
- Expertise in maintaining sterile fields and adhering 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 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 is preferred.
All candidates must successfully complete a physical evaluation, drug screening, and background checks prior to employment.
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