Scrub RN - Surgery

Come work with an award winning team! Thanks to the readers of The Daily Freeman‑Journal, VDMC was named Best Place to Work in 2023 and 2024. Van Diest Medical Center has also been recognized as a 2025 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. Chartis’ annual Top 100 award program recognizes outstanding performance among the nation’s rural hospitals based on the results of the Chartis Rural Hospital Performance INDEX®.

This marks the second year for VDMC’s inclusion on the Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals. VDMC is one of only 12 hospitals in the state of Iowa to achieve this designation. Nationwide, there are 1,366 critical access hospitals. Additionally, Van Diest Medical Center (VDMC) has also been named a 2024 Top Workplaces INDUSTRY winner. Top Workplaces Industry awards celebrate organizations that have built people‑first workplace cultures within their sector.

The award marks them as an employer of choice for those seeking employment in the industry. Details about how Van Diest Medical Center builds a great workplace culture are available at

The Surgical Scrub Nurse handles all the instruments, supplies and equipment necessary during the Surgical Procedure. He or she understands the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. He/she has the necessary knowledge, understanding and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and is consistently on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field. This individual works closely with the surgeon and the entire OR team.

• Gather, check and open supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure.
• Perform the surgical scrub, donning Operating Room (OR) Attire and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Set up the sterile table(s) and Mayo stand(s) with instruments, supplies, equipment and medications/solutions needed for the procedure.
• Perform initial instrument, sharps, and sponge counts with the circulating nurse.
• Assist team members with gowning and gloving.
• Assist with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field.
• Participate in the surgical site and patient verification during the time out procedure.
• Secure tubing, cords, and other sterile accessories.

• Prepare and anticipate additional instrumentation, equipment and supplies for usage during the procedure.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies to the surgeon during the procedure.
• Measure and pass medications, hemostatic agents and irrigation solutions utilized during the surgical procedure.
• Hold retractors and/or instruments as directed by the surgeon.
• Spong or suction the operative site.
• Apply electrocautery to clamps or forceps on bleeders.
• Cut suture material as directed by the surgeon.
• Coordinate camera or change out robotic arms/instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgeon.
• Maintain highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure.
• Perform additional counts as necessary.
• Prepare sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices.
• Prepare and pass off specimen(s) as appropriate.
• Clean and prepare instruments for terminal sterilization.
• Assist other members of the team with terminal cleaning of room.
• Assist in pre‑p the OR for the next patient.
• Participate in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care.
• Perform other duties as needed and as requested.

Wage commensurate with experience. 40 hours/week, Day shift Monday through Friday.