Nurse

Job Summary:

The Operating Room / Preop-PACU Registered Nurse assists in the organization and daily function of the surgical department in accordance with established federal, state, and accreditation standards, as well as facility policies and procedures. This position supports safe and effective patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures, ensuring the highest standards of clinical practice, safety, and professionalism. The RN also participates in direct patient care, equipment management, and communication with the interdisciplinary team.

Essential Functions:

• Maintains professional relationships with physicians, patients, and staff.
• Demonstrates effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Exhibits above-average organizational and teamwork abilities.
• Acts as a role model for staff and assists in the orientation and training of new employees.
• Promotes a positive, courteous, and collaborative work environment.

• Demonstrates advanced ability to plan, implement, and evaluate patient care.
• Makes sound nursing judgments based on clinical knowledge and established standards.
• Assesses, prioritizes, and manages multiple patient care needs efficiently.
• Ensures accurate and complete medical documentation.
• Maintains professional competency and participates in continuing education.

• Demonstrates comprehensive understanding of perioperative and PACU nursing practices.
• Familiarity with hospital or ambulatory surgical center operations.
• Knowledge of regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Ensures adherence to infection control, safety, and equipment protocols.
• Ability to circulate and assist in various types of surgical procedures preferred.

• Operates standard surgical and patient monitoring equipment safely and effectively.
• Demonstrates ability to troubleshoot and report malfunctioning equipment.
• Proficient with telephone, fax, and related communication systems.

• Assesses patient and family understanding of disease processes and surgical procedures.
• Performs perioperative and postoperative teaching.
• Conducts comprehensive preoperative patient assessments.
• Prepares and maintains the operating room per standard of care and surgeon preference.
• Provides safe and accurate medication administration.
• Ensures correct patient positioning, surgical prep, and use of aseptic technique.
• Handles and documents specimens accurately.
• Performs sponge, sharps, and instrument counts per policy and initiates corrective action when needed.
• Assures availability and functionality of emergency equipment and supplies.
• Maintains cleanliness, organization, and readiness of surgical suites.
• Provides effective airway management and monitors recovery from anesthesia.
• Assesses, manages, and documents postoperative complications and pain levels.
• Demonstrates knowledge in caring for latex-sensitive and high-risk patients.

• Ensures all surgical and monitoring equipment is functioning properly prior to use.
• Selects equipment and supplies in a timely, cost-effective, and organized manner.
• Identifies and reports equipment malfunctions immediately.
• Operates mechanical, electrical, and air-powered devices per manufacturer instructions.

• Maintains accurate, concise, and legible patient records in compliance with policy.
• Documents all care activities, assessments, and interventions promptly.
• Participates in the facility's Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities related to medical records.

• Demonstrates respectful, honest, and clear communication with patients, families, and coworkers.
• Utilizes translation services when necessary to ensure patient understanding.
• Actively contributes to resolving conflicts and clarifying information among team members.

• Supports initiatives that enhance quality, efficiency, and patient outcomes.
• Participates in the quality improvement process and implements best practices.
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability in a changing environment
• Other duties as assigned.
• 25% Travel might be needed with little to no notice in advance.

Minimum Requirements:

Education / Experience / Licenses / Certificates / Eligibility

• Current California Registered Nurse (RN) license required.
• BLS certification required; ACLS preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience as an Operating Room Nurse or in Preop/PACU, Surgery, or Emergency Room settings.
• IV skills preferred.
• Must be able to provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States.