Registered Nurse Operating Room

Job Summary:


The Registered Nurse in the Operating Room is responsible for providing specialized perioperative nursing care to patients undergoing a wide range of surgical procedures including general surgery, neurology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, transplant, urology, and trauma cases. This role requires expertise in emergency management, use of surgical equipment, and adherence to safety protocols in a Level I trauma, acute care, Magnet hospital setting. The nurse will collaborate closely with surgical teams to ensure patient safety, effective care delivery, and compliance with hospital standards.

Responsibilities:

• Provide perioperative nursing care for patients undergoing surgical procedures across multiple specialties including general surgery, neurology, orthopedics, plastic surgery, transplant, urology, and trauma.
• Manage emergency situations including code response, fire safety, malignant hyperthermia, and latex allergy protocols.
• Administer blood products and maintain infection control standards.
• Operate and manage surgical equipment such as electrosurgical units, fiber optic light sources, and Hana tables.
• Perform specimen handling and labeling according to hospital protocols.
• Follow Universal Protocol including surgical time-out procedures to ensure patient safety.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to coordinate patient care and ensure optimal surgical outcomes.
• Document patient care and surgical interventions accurately using Cerner electronic medical records.
• Maintain proficiency in urinary bladder catheterization and radiation safety procedures.
• Participate in trauma and emergency management as required by the facility's Level I trauma center status.
• Adhere to hospital policies regarding RTO and shift scheduling.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of Operating Room nursing experience with general OR and trauma experience.
• Active Illinois Registered Nurse license or in application process.
• BLS certification required.
• Level I trauma experience required.
• Experience with laparoscopic assisted bariatric cases and a broad range of surgical procedures including appendectomy, cholecystectomy, colon resection, hernia repair, mastectomy, thyroidectomy, Whipple, cervical fusion, craniotomy, laminectomy, lumbar fusion, arthroscopy, fracture management, free flap microvascular surgery, organ donation, cystoscopy, nephrectomy, prostatectomy, amputations, gunshot/stab wounds, and motor vehicle accident injuries.
• Proficiency with Cerner electronic health record system preferred.

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• CNOR certification preferred.
• Experience with Cerner charting system.
• Experience with advanced surgical instrumentation and equipment.

Special Considerations:

• On-call required approximately once per week, though frequency may vary.
• Must live at least 50 miles from the facility to be eligible.
• All requested time off requires managerial approval.
• Candidate will not be permitted to accommodate block scheduling.
• Scrub color and parking permit provided at no cost.
• Candidate may be required to float within their skill set rarely to meet facility needs.
• Facility is a Level I trauma center and Magnet hospital requiring adherence to high standards of care.

Scheduling:

• Alternate shift schedules: 10:45 AM to 9:15 PM or 12:45 PM to 11:15 PM.
• Weekend coverage required one weekend per month.
• Guaranteed hours subject to client call-offs up to 36 hours per thirteen-week assignment with billing implications for excess cancellations.