RN-PACU​/Circulator

Position: RN-PACU/Circulator (Full Time)

Position Title:

Perioperative Registered Nurse (OR Circulator & PACU Nurse)

Department:
Surgical Services

Reports To:

Director of Perioperative Services
Status:
Full time

Position Summary

The Perioperative Registered Nurse functions in both the intraoperative (Circulator) and postoperative (PACU) phases of surgical care. This dual‑role nurse is responsible for coordinating and delivering safe, high‑quality, evidence‑based nursing care to patients undergoing surgical procedures. The role requires flexibility, critical thinking, and collaboration with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and the multidisciplinary team to ensure optimal patient outcomes throughout the surgical continuum.

Key Responsibilities Intraoperative (Circulator Nurse) Duties

• Serve as the patient advocate throughout the surgical procedure
• Perform and document preoperative verification and surgical time‑out
• Ensure the sterility of the operative field and adherence to aseptic technique
• Anticipate and provide necessary supplies and equipment during surgery
• Collaborate with surgical and anesthesia teams to optimize workflow and patient safety
• Manage intraoperative documentation, including counts, specimens, implants, and events
• Respond to intraoperative emergencies and support the team during urgent situations

Post‑Anesthesia (PACU Nurse) Duties

• Receive and monitor patients emerging from anesthesia following surgery
• Conduct rapid physical assessments including airway, vital signs, neurologic status, and surgical sites
• Manage post‑op pain, nausea, and hemodynamic stability with medications and interventions
• Provide emotional support and post‑op education to patients and families
• Coordinate patient transfer to the next level of care or discharge
• Accurately document patient recovery and maintain safety protocols throughout stay

Qualifications

• Licensure:
  Current, active RN license in the state of practice
• Education:
  
  ADN required; BSN preferred
• Certifications:
  • BLS and ACLS (required)
  • PALS (preferred)
  • CNOR and/or CPAN/CAPA certification (preferred but not required)
• Experience:
  • Minimum 1 year of nursing experience in PACU, OR, critical care, or emergency nursing
  • New graduates considered if enrolled in a perioperative training program

Skills & Abilities

• Strong assessment and critical thinking skills in fast‑paced environments
• Proficient in sterile technique, patient positioning, and perioperative safety standards
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Competent with EMR systems and medical equipment (e.g., monitors, infusion pumps, ventilators)
• Ability to adapt to changing situations and respond effectively in emergencies

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods
• Lift, move, and position patients and equipment (up to 50 lbs)
• Exposure to blood borne pathogens, radiation, and surgical chemicals
• Must wear PPE including surgical masks, lead aprons, and protective eyewear as appropriate

Core Competencies

• Patient advocacy and safety
• Collaboration and interdisciplinary communication
• Quality improvement and regulatory compliance
• Cultural competence and ethical care
• Lifelong learning and professional development

Equal Opportunity Employer

NCH and AVH are committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Orientation

All new hires are required to attend a mandatory three‑day orientation at Weeks Medical Center in Lancaster, NH. Attendance on all three days is required for onboarding completion.

About North Country Healthcare

North Country Healthcare is a non‑profit affiliation of four medical facilities, Androscoggin Valley Hospital, North Country Home Health & Hospice Agency, Upper Connecticut Valley Hospital, and Weeks Medical Center, located in the White Mountains Region of New Hampshire. NCH includes numerous physicians and medical providers at multiple locations. This leading comprehensive healthcare network employs hundreds of highly‑trained individuals and delivers integrated patient care through three community hospitals, specialty clinics, and home health and hospice services.

NCH remains committed to the health and well‑being of the communities we serve.

North Country Healthcare is an equal‑opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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