Advanced OR RN | Clinical Nurse II - Surgery

Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN)

This Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN) at the Clinical Nurse II level plays a crucial role within the surgical team, delivering exceptional, patient-focused care throughout the perioperative process. The role demands advanced skills, specialized certifications, and the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary team members to ensure patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the healthcare team to provide safe, efficient, and equitable care tailored to surgical patients. Perform thorough preoperative assessments, develop individualized perioperative care plans, monitor patient responses during surgery, and advocate for patient dignity and safety. Administer moderate sedation for endoscopy patients and promote evidence-based perioperative practices.
• Manage surgical instruments and equipment properly, handle and document surgical specimens, anticipate surgical team needs, and oversee inventory management for cardiac-related supplies when applicable.
• Maintain a clean, safe environment adhering to infection control and regulatory standards such as The Joint Commission, OSHA, and AORN guidelines. Ensure compliance with protocols including patient identification, pre-procedure verification, and prevention of retained surgical items. Proactively identify and address safety concerns.
• Accurately record perioperative care, patient progress, and any intraoperative events in the electronic medical record system.
• Mentor new nurses and students, engage in continuing education and quality improvement initiatives, serve as a resource for best practices, and assume charge nurse or service line coordinator duties as needed.
• Respond decisively and skillfully in critical situations such as cardiac arrest or massive hemorrhage, demonstrating advanced clinical competence and calm under pressure.

Experience

• Minimum two years as a Registered Nurse in a high-acuity operating room setting.
• For CVOR RN roles, two years of experience in cardiovascular operating room nursing is required.
• Transitional RN candidates must have five years of experience in ICU, ED, or PACU settings.
• Proficiency in managing complex surgical cases across multiple specialties including Neuro, Spine, HEENT, General, GYN, Vascular, Thoracic, Minimally Invasive, Robotic, and Orthopedics.
• Scrub experience is highly preferred.

Competencies

• Technical expertise with advanced surgical equipment and technology.
• Strong knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
• Expertise in sterile field management and adherence to surgical protocols.
• Excellent critical thinking and rapid decision-making skills in high-pressure environments.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to foster teamwork and patient-family interactions.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred; Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) with five years of high-acuity OR experience may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse license in the relevant state.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications required; ACLS must be obtained within 90 days of hire if not current.
• Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) or equivalent certification is preferred.

All candidates must successfully complete a physical evaluation, drug screening, and background checks prior to employment.

This opportunity is located within a vibrant healthcare community serving the coastal region of the Pacific Northwest, known for its commitment to advanced surgical care and patient safety.