Staff Nurse - Operating Room D​/E; shifts - LHDCMC

Position Objective:

The Registered Nurse in surgery provides expert, professional nursing care to patients during the perioperative course. The RN assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates the care of patients throughout surgical intervention. The RN in surgery will supervise Operating Room Technicians and ancillary personnel. The primary responsibility of the RN will be to perform the duties of a circulator in the Operating Room.

The RN may also be competent in the role of a scrub nurse and perform the duties of that role, as staffing requires.

The nurse applies expert clinical knowledge to ensure safe and effective perioperative care.

Responsibilities include:

• Assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care throughout the surgical experience.
• Performing comprehensive preoperative assessments, including verification of the procedure, operative site, allergies, and risk factors.
• Applying the nursing process effectively with attention to patient safety, sterile technique, and evidence-based standards.
• Organizing and reprioritizing patient care based on clinical changes and environmental factors.
• Monitoring patients intraoperatively, including EKG, vital signs, and sedation levels, and responding promptly to emergent situations such as codes or airway compromise.
• Administering medications, managing pain, and performing unit-specific technical skills (e.g., moderate sedation, hemodynamic monitoring).
• Ensuring aseptic technique, accurate sponge and needle counts, and specimen handling per protocol.
• Preparing and positioning patients safely for procedures.

The nurse fosters therapeutic relationships with patients and families to promote trust, comfort, and learning.

Responsibilities include:

• Introducing self and role to the patient and family in the preoperative area, assuring the patient of nursing presence throughout the procedure.
• Demonstrating compassion, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity in all interactions.
• Assessing patient and family learning needs, readiness, and potential barriers to understanding.
• Developing and implementing individualized teaching plans that address physical, psychosocial, spiritual, and educational needs.
• Providing thorough and accurate handoff reports to PACU staff to ensure continuity of care.

The nurse maintains professional competence and contributes to quality initiatives to improve patient outcomes.

Responsibilities include:

• Meeting all continuing education requirements and remaining current with evolving health care practices.
• Participating in unit and organizational quality improvement, clinical practice improvement, and risk management activities.
• Supporting evidence-based practice by adhering to organizational policies, standards, and benchmarks.
• Updating and maintaining accuracy of surgeon preference cards to enhance efficiency and safety.

The nurse contributes to team effectiveness through guidance, mentorship, and shared decision-making.

Responsibilities include:

• Supervising Operating Room Technicians and ancillary personnel to ensure quality care delivery.
• Delegating tasks appropriately and evaluating delegated activities for patient outcomes.
• Educating, orienting, and mentoring new staff members within the department.
• Actively participating in shared governance and contributing to departmental decision-making.
• Utilizing real-time electronic documentation to maintain accurate patient records.
• Communicating effectively with surgical, anesthesia, and leadership teams regarding patient care and equipment needs.

Some responsibilities extend beyond direct patient care and fit best within a broader domain of professional practice. These include:

• Assisting anesthesia personnel with supply and medication readiness, induction, and procedural support.
• Supporting patient transport to and from the operating room.
• Assisting with securing dressings, transferring patients post-procedure, and supporting recovery.
• Participating in room turnover, cleaning, and restocking of instruments and supplies.
• Offering assistance to…