PACU​/Circulating nurse

Callista Surgery Center is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) for the– PACU and/Operating Room Circulator to join our surgical team in Walnut Creek, California. This position plays an integral role in providing safe, efficient, and high-quality nursing care throughout the perioperative experience.

The RN will support both Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nursing and Operating Room circulator nursinging responsibilities, working collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, and other members of the healthcare team. The ideal candidate has strong perioperative nursing experience, excellent clinical judgment, and the ability to transition effectively between operating room and post-anesthesia responsibilities in a fast-paced single-operating room ambulatory surgery center.

Key Responsibilities OR Circulating Responsibilities Perform circulating nurse responsibilities for surgical procedures in accordance with facility policies, nursing standards, and applicable regulatory requirements. Review the surgical schedule and prepare the operating room for scheduled procedures. Verify patient identity, procedure, surgical site, consent, allergies, and other required preoperative documentation. Participate in pre-procedure verification and surgical time-out processes. Complete and document appropriate preoperative nursing assessments.

Coordinate patient positioning and ensure appropriate safety measures are maintained throughout the procedure. Maintain patient privacy, dignity, comfort, and safety throughout the surgical experience. Monitor and maintain appropriate aseptic and infection-control practices within the operating room. Collaborate with the Surgical Technologist to perform and document sponge, sharps, and instrument counts. Ensure medications and solutions used within the operating room are appropriately identified, handled, and documented.

Handle and document surgical specimens in accordance with facility policies. Coordinate communication among surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, PACU staff, and other members of the care team. Document intraoperative nursing care accurately and completely in the patient's medical record. Identify changes in patient condition and initiate appropriate interventions. Assist with efficient room turnover and preparation for subsequent procedures. Ensure equipment, medications, supplies, and emergency resources are available and functioning appropriately.

PACU Responsibilities Receive patients following anesthesia and provide appropriate post-anesthesia nursing care. Perform and document comprehensive postoperative assessments. Continuously monitor airway, respiratory status, oxygenation, circulation, neurological status, pain, surgical sites, and other clinical indicators. Recognize changes in patient condition and initiate appropriate nursing interventions. Administer medications and treatments according to physician or anesthesia provider orders and within the RN scope of practice.

Assess and manage postoperative pain, nausea, and other symptoms. Monitor patients for potential postoperative or anesthesia-related complications. Communicate significant changes in patient condition promptly to the appropriate provider. Maintain patient safety throughout the recovery process. Provide postoperative education and discharge instructions to patients and responsible caregivers. Evaluate patient readiness for discharge according to established criteria and facility policies. Ensure appropriate documentation and continuity of care throughout the recovery and discharge process.

Patient Safety & Clinical Responsibilities Follow infection-prevention practices, standard precautions, and medication-safety…