Lead Operating Room Registered Nurse

Full Time

Technical

Salary Range: $41.00 To $60.50 Hourly

OrthoNY is opening a brand new, state-of-the-art Ambulatory Surgery Center in Wilton, NY and we're looking for an experienced Operating Room Nurse to support the Clinical Nurse Manager!

The Lead Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN) – Flow Coordinator provides real-time clinical and operational coordination within the perioperative environment. This role is responsible for optimizing OR case flow, resource utilization, and interdisciplinary communication to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical care.

The Lead OR RN functions as a central point of coordination, supporting adherence to AORN standards, promoting patient safety, and fostering a collaborative, team-based environment consistent with Magnet principles.

Responsibilities:

Case Flow & Operations

• Manage the OR schedule board in real time, ensuring accurate case progression.

• Coordinate case sequencing, room assignments, and workflow adjustments to maintain efficiency.

• Identify and address delays, barriers, or opportunities to improve throughput.

• Optimize room utilization and turnover efficiency in collaboration with perioperative teams.

• Serve as the primary communication hub for OR operations.

• Communicate updates, delays, and changes with surgeons, anesthesia providers, Pre-op and PACU teams, and Sterile Processing Department (SPD).

• Participate in daily huddles and communicate operational needs to leadership.

Resource & Staffing Coordination

• Assist with real-time staffing adjustments to support workflow demands.

• Coordinate staff breaks and meal coverage while maintaining patient care and flow.

• Ensure availability of necessary equipment, supplies, and instrumentation.

Room Turnover & Efficiency

• Monitor and facilitate timely room turnover and readiness for subsequent cases.

• Coordinate with SPD and environmental services to minimize delays.

• Identify and escalate barriers impacting turnover or case readiness.

Clinical Support

• Provide clinical support as needed, including room preparation, patient transport, or specialized assistance to maintain efficient patient care and workflow.

• Serve as a resource for perioperative procedures and processes, guiding staff on protocols, resolving workflow issues, and upholding standards throughout surgical care.

• Take assignments as necessary to support clinical needs and ensure continuous patient care.

Quality & Safety

• Ensure adherence to AORN standards and guidelines, surgical safety checklists and protocols, and infection prevention and sterile technique practices.

• Monitor compliance with safety and documentation requirements.

• Escalate safety concerns in alignment with a Just Culture approach.

Documentation & Systems

• Maintain accurate, real-time updates in the OR scheduling system (SIS).

• Document delays, changes, and workflow updates as required.

Professional Practice

• Promote a collaborative, respectful, and team-oriented environment.

• Support staff through communication, coordination, and informal guidance.

• Contribute to a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Education and Certifications

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred

• Current NYS Registered Nurse (RN) license required

• Basic Life Support (BLS) required

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred

• CNOR certification preferred

• Minimum 3–5 years of perioperative (OR) nursing experience

• Prior experience in charge nurse, flow coordination, or high-volume surgical setting preferred

Key Competencies

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills

• Effective communication and teamwork

• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment

• Critical thinking and problem-solving

• Knowledge of OR workflow, surgical procedures, and sterile technique

Work Environment

• Fast-paced surgical setting with frequent interruptions

• Requires prolonged standing and physical activity