RN Perioperative Nurse

Job Summary:

The Registered Nurse (RN) will provide direct patient care across three critical perioperative areas: Pre-Operative, Operating Room (OR) Circulator, and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). This role requires the ability to function competently in all three areas, managing patient assessments, care documentation, emotional support, patient transfers, recovery, surgical case circulation, instrument processing assistance, and patient education. The RN will adhere to infection control standards and collaborate with the surgical team to ensure quality care during surgical procedures. Responsibilities:

• Conduct patient assessments and document care in Pre-Op, OR, and PACU settings.
• Provide emotional support and education to patients throughout the surgical process.
• Coordinate patient transfers and recovery activities post-surgery.
• Circulate surgical cases, assisting with intraoperative patient care and safety.
• Assist in processing instruments and equipment in central sterilizing.
• Adhere to infection control principles and departmental policies.
• Collaborate with surgical services team members and management.
• Support technical procedures and maintain knowledge of relevant national standards (IAHCSMM, AORN, ASGE, ASPAN).

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Current Registered Nurse license in Colorado.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in Pre-Op, OR, and PACU nursing.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Ability to perform patient assessments and document care accurately.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Physical ability to stand for long periods, walk, and perform heavy lifting.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) credential.
• Scrub nurse experience.
• Familiarity with infection control standards and surgical instrumentation per IAHCSMM, AORN, ASGE, and ASPAN guidelines.

Special Considerations:

• Mental resilience to perform effectively in high-stress surgical environments.
• Exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious diseases, and unpleasant sights and smells.
• Rotational on-call responsibilities including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• Compliance with infection control and departmental policies.

Scheduling:

• 40-hour workweek with general hours from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Occasional late shifts to complete surgical case loads.
• Rotational surgical call averaging 1 to 2 days per week and every other or every third weekend depending on staffing.