OR Circulating Nurse

About the Role

Cherry County Hospital is looking for an experienced Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN circulator) to join our surgical services team in a critical access hospital located in Valentine, NE. The RN circulator will provide direct patient care to pediatric through geriatric populations and will respond to a wide range of surgical procedures and emergent situations.

• Provide safe, high‑quality perioperative nursing care as an RN circulator.
• Collaborate with surgical technologists to assemble, open, and manage sterile supplies and equipment.
• Manage the non‑sterile field and monitor the sterile field throughout surgical procedures.
• Assist with endoscopic and arthroscopic procedures and troubleshoot equipment as needed.
• Respond effectively to surgical emergencies and changing patient needs.
• Practice within AORN standards and State Board of Nursing rules and regulations.

• Follow standard procedures for surgical intervention, adapting for surgeon and anesthesia preference.
• Verify all patient information: name, procedure, equipment, allergies, implants and correct position and site.
• Use preference cards and update regularly as changes occur.
• Remain ready and prepared for assigned cases; minimize turnover time.
• Assist in opening surgical supplies in a sterile fashion and observe the sterile field for breaks or contamination.
• Ensure surgical scrub is prepared with appropriate instrumentation and medications; counts are completed.

• Introduce patient to staff, assist patient to the operating table, and complete initial timeout.
• Demonstrate knowledge of anesthetic drugs, actions, side effects, and induction process; monitor for complications.
• Identify induction and intubation supplies; remain with patient at head of bed until released by provider.
• Maintain proper positioning, pad and protect bony prominences, and protect nerves.
• Perform skin shave and prep per surgeon preference; observe and assist surgical scrub to drape correctly.
• Monitor placement of equipment, fire hazards, and maintain sterility of the field and back table.
• Initiate and document counts at appropriate wound closure; address any discrepancies immediately.
• Collect, label, and document all specimens; file laboratory paperwork promptly.

• Verify implants and chargeable goods with surgical scrub.
• Assist with dressing and securing materials.
• Document intakes, outputs, Foley, drains, and specimens.
• Prepare and clean OR suites before and between cases; perform terminal cleaning per patient infection class.
• Give thorough report of patient condition to PACU nurse and perform PACU duties if necessary.
• Recognize and respond to emergency situations such as cardiac events, malignant hyperthermia, hemorrhage, and LOC changes.

• Graduate from an accredited nursing school and possess a Nebraska RN license.
• Current ACLS and BLS certification; PALS preferred or competence in pediatric care.
• Experience in circulating nursing for procedures including ophthalmology, orthopedics (total joint replacements, arthroscopy), urology, ENT, general surgery, GI endoscopy, podiatry, pediatric dentistry, cesarean sections, and related OB/GYN procedures.
• Experience in post‑anesthesia care and recovery preferred.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to anticipate needs, and excellent patient safety awareness.
• Knowledge of surgical equipment, aseptic technique, and the ability to troubleshoot equipment.

Work is physically and emotionally demanding: lifting, positioning, and moving patients; operating surgical equipment; cleaning and mopping the OR; and responding to emergencies. The role requires standing and walking for long periods, repetitive use of hands and arms, and working closely with a surgical team in a clean environment. Availability for 24‑hour call and overtime is required.

• Graduate from an accredited nursing school.
• Nebraska RN license.
• Neonatal Resuscitation Program, ACLS, and BLS certification.