Registered Nurse (RN) – Operating Room / Pre-Op / PACU
Position Summary
Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians is seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented, and highly skilled Registered Nurse (RN) to join our surgical team. This role is responsible for providing exceptional patient care throughout all phases of the surgical experience, including pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-anesthesia recovery care.
The ideal candidate is a critical thinker who thrives in a fast-paced surgical environment, maintains the highest standards of patient safety and sterile technique, and demonstrates excellent teamwork and communication skills. This individual will work closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, and clinical staff to ensure outstanding patient outcomes and an exceptional patient experience.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Pre-Operative Responsibilities
Admit and prepare patients for surgical procedures
Perform comprehensive admission assessments and collect patient medical history
Verify patient readiness for surgery, including NPO status and required documentation
Start intravenous lines and administer pre-operative medications as ordered
Provide patient education and address questions or concerns prior to surgery
Assist in safely transferring patients to the operating room
Intra-Operative Responsibilities
Maintain a sterile and safe operating room environment
Assist surgeons and surgical teams during procedures as the circulating nurse
Monitor patients throughout surgical procedures and communicate changes in condition
Ensure all surgical equipment and instruments are functioning properly and readily available
Adhere to all infection prevention, aseptic, and safety protocols
Accurately document all intra-operative patient care and surgical activities
Supervise and support surgical technologists and medical assistants during procedures
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Responsibilities
Monitor patients during post-operative recovery for pain control, airway stability, bleeding, and anesthesia-related complications
Assess and document patient responses to treatment and recovery progress
Complete discharge instructions and provide post-operative patient education
Safely escort patients upon discharge
Additional Responsibilities
Assist with room turnover and terminal cleaning procedures
Prepare operating rooms for upcoming procedures
Maintain inventory and stock surgical supplies as needed
Assist with chart audits and quality assurance initiatives
Support compliance with QUAD A accreditation standards
Participate in maintaining a positive, collaborative team environment
Perform additional duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education & Experience
Graduate of an accredited nursing program required
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred
Previous Operating Room and/or PACU experience preferred
Experience as a circulating nurse strongly preferred
Licensure & Certifications
Current and active Georgia RN License or Compact State License
Current American Heart Association (AHA) BLS Certification
Current American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS Certification
CNOR Certification preferred but not required
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Strong critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills
Excellent understanding of sterile technique and surgical safety standards
Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure situations
Strong organizational and multitasking abilities
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently while also functioning as part of a collaborative team
Proficient with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems
Supervisory Responsibilities
Assist with coordinating daily patient care assignments
Delegate responsibilities appropriately to support staff based on skill level and patient needs
Support team collaboration and efficient workflow within the surgical department
Physical Demands & Work Environment
This position requires prolonged standing, walking, lifting, bending, and assisting with patient transfers throughout the workday. The employee may be exposed to surgical equipment, sharp instruments, cleaning agents, and other medical substances commonly found in a surgical environment.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Ortho Sport & Spine Physicians is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.