Registered Nurse - Operating Room

Perioperative Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN)

The Perioperative Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse (RN), is accountable for patient outcomes resulting from the nursing care for the patient undergoing a surgical/invasive procedure. The perioperative OR RN plans, directs and coordinates the care of every patient undergoing operative and other invasive procedures, taking into consideration respect for the individual and recognition of the important contribution that each team member makes to the patient's well-being.

This OR RN is expected to function proficiently in both the circulator and scrub role within the OR and to be competent in all surgical specialties served. The OR RN maintains knowledge of current Association of Peri-Operative Registered Nurses (AORN) Standards, VHA Directives, and service level standard operating procedures. The OR RN assures the sterility of the surgical field is maintained and all instrumentation and equipment in play is used in a safe and efficient manner.

The OR RN protects the patient from injury caused by chemical, electrical, mechanical, and thermal sources, and extraneous objects, performs counting procedures to protect the patient from unintended retained surgical items, participates in the Time Out process to ensure correct site, side, and level, and follow implant and tissue/tissue-based product documentation, policy and procedures. The OR RN manages the patient's specimens in the appropriate manner, administers medications safely and correctly, performs interventions to maintain the patient's wound and tissue perfusion at or above baseline levels, and performs interventions to protect the patient from surgical site infection.

The OR RN is responsible for ensuring comprehensive documentation of all care provided during the perioperative experience is timely, complete, and accurate in the electronic health record. The OR RN is required to be on-call during off tours hours to provide patient care for emergency procedures. Responsible for participating within unit based and/or organizational level Shared Governance councils, utilizing clinical expertise, evidence-based practice, and knowledge to assist with finding solutions to problems or issues to improve the quality care provided to our veterans.