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 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 care effectiveness and promote evidence-based practices.
- 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, especially for cardiac-related supplies (for CVOR RN roles).
- 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 facility policies to ensure safe surgical care, including patient identification and prevention of retained surgical items. Proactively identify and report safety concerns.
- 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; CVOR RN roles require two years of CVOR experience.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 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 California required.Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and American Heart Association Healthcare Provider certification required.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.
Regional Context
This role serves patients in a vibrant coastal region of the Pacific Northwest, providing access to leading surgical and emergency care services within a collaborative healthcare environment.