OR Circulating Nurse

OR Circulating Nurse

Cherry County Hospital — Norfolk, Nebraska, United States

Job Title: Circulating Nurse

Location: Valentine, NE

Position: Full-Time

Benefit Eligible: Yes

Report To: Operating Room Manager

Cherry County Hospital is seeking an experienced Operating Room Registered Nurse to join our surgical services team in our critical access hospital located in Valentine, NE. This position is ideal for a confident, adaptable RN who thrives in a collaborative environment and is prepared to respond to a wide range of patient procedures and emergent situations.

The OR RN functions at the level of RN circulator
, providing direct patient care to pediatric through geriatric populations. On-call responsibilities are shared and rotated with equitable distribution of weekends and holidays.

• Providing safe, high-quality perioperative nursing care as an RN circulator
• Collaborating with surgical technologists to assemble, open, and manage sterile supplies and equipment
• Managing the non-sterile field and monitoring the sterile field throughout surgical procedures
• Assisting with endoscopic and arthroscopic procedures and troubleshooting equipment as needed
• Responding effectively to surgical emergencies and changing patient needs
• Practicing within AORN standards and State Board of Nursing rules and regulations

This is an excellent opportunity to practice broad-based perioperative nursing, develop strong clinical autonomy, and make a meaningful impact in a supportive rural healthcare setting.

Candidate requirements: Aptitude for proper operation of OR equipment/technology in multiple specialties

• Well organized with exceptional planning and preparation for expected events
• Knowledge of surgical procedures and ability to access and research appropriate knowledge bases
• Ability to quickly adjust to changes in patient-focused events
• Solid understanding of patient safety and precautions
• General clinical competency in circulating nursing for Ophthalmology, Orthopedics (total joint replacements and arthroscopic procedures), Urology, ENT, General Surgery, GI (Endoscopy), Podiatry, Pediatric Dental procedures, Cesarean Sections and related OB/GYN procedures
• Experience in Post Anesthesia Care and Recovery of surgical patients preferred
• Current Nebraska Registered Nurse license; ACLS & BLS required; PALS preferred or competent in the care of

• Pre-Operative – Procedures:
  Follow standard procedures for surgical/procedural intervention, adapting for surgeon and anesthesia preference; adapt procedures to pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients; verify patient information and surgical details; use preference cards and update as changes occur.
• Readiness – Be ready and prepared for assigned cases; minimize turnover time; assist in opening sterile supplies and maintain sterile field.
• Pre-Op Care and Preparation – Ensure pre-op checklist is complete, consents signed, labs documented, site identified if appropriate, review history and physical within 30 days; arrange blood products if ordered; coordinate and supervise patient care with teaching for patient and family while protecting privacy.

• Intra-Operative:
  Initial Assessment – Bring patient to the OR, assist with table, perform initial timeout; understand anesthetic drugs, actions, and side effects; assist with anesthesia as needed.
• Surgical Knowledge – Knowledge of location, care, and operation of surgical equipment; safe patient positioning and protection of tissues; assist with draping and maintain asepsis; anticipate needs of the surgical team; document and monitor counts and intra-operative care in EHR.

• Post Procedure – Verify implants and chargable items; assist with dressing and securing with appropriate materials; document intakes/outputs, foley, drains and specimens.
• Post-Operative / PACU – Observe anesthesia effects, monitor vital signs, record outputs, monitor consciousness, administer medications per provider orders, document care, and collaborate with care team on changes in status.

• Graduate from an accredited school of nursing and possess Nebraska RN license
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program, ACLS, and BLS certified

Work is physically and emotionally demanding, involving lifting, positioning, standing, and repetitive use of hands. Must be able to move around patient and equipment safely. Availability for overnight call as scheduled; potential for overtime and callbacks; exposure to hazards such as contaminated body fluids and anesthetic agents.

Note: This description reflects the current responsibilities and requirements and may be subject to change.