Operating Room Nurse Clinician III - Galveston (Casual Appointment)

Required Education / Experience RN with two years of preferred clinical operating room, ICU, Cath Lab, and other procedural area experience. Must possess and maintain a current license or valid permit to practice in Texas. Current BLS required. Job Summary Competent clinician with knowledge and skill to meet the Texas Nurse Practice Act standards. Experienced in specialty areas and operates as a member of the interdisciplinary team. RN’s transferring into the operating room must complete the operating room specific Competency Based Orientation (CBO) within the 6‑month probationary period. Practice is characterized by interdependent and independent critical thinking, is problem‑focused and patient‑centered, and provides safe, competent intra‑operative care. Clinicians acquire specific skills for patients undergoing surgical procedures, advocate for patients, and verify surgical procedures and safety checks prior to surgery. Safely circulates in emergent and urgent cases, collaborates with physicians and the surgical team during time‑outs and debriefings, enforces aseptic and sterile techniques, and operates highly specialized OR equipment. Provides support as a resource to Nurse Clinician I or II. Patient care is based on American Nurses Association Standards of Practice, the Nursing Process, and UTMB’s three competency domains: Professional Practice, Performance, and Improvement. Essential Job Functions Validate specialized peri‑operative nursing knowledge and current practice standards. Consult and coordinate with healthcare team members to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care plans. Participate actively in surgical time‑out and debriefing, ensuring accurate patient and procedure verification. Monitor all equipment during surgery and assist with patient positioning and comfort. Handle surgical specimens accurately and document all procedures, supplies, and implants. Support surgical technologist during cases. Perform surgical counts (initial, closing, final) and reconcile incorrect counts. Support departmental initiatives related to patient safety, efficiency, cost containment, staff and physician satisfaction, and other projects. Enforce strict asepsis standards. Take call status and respond to emergencies per policy, including “stay days,” and work unpredictable hours. Maintain collegiality and professionalism during high‑stress situations. Engage in improving staff morale and satisfaction. Complete required specialty‑specific CBO tools and ongoing competency evaluations. Assess patients to identify nursing diagnoses and care needs. Plan and prioritize culturally, age‑-, and specialty‑appropriate care. Deliver culturally, age‑ and specialty‑appropriate nursing care. Perform and report point‑of‑care testing (POCT). Maintain a clean, safe environment and support aseptic technique, isolation, and infection control measures. Advocate for patients and address difficult situations. Develop patient care plans and treatment reports. Apply nursing research and quality improvement to enhance evidence‑based practice. Demonstrate acceptable productivity and cost containment. Complete accurate, concise, legible documentation on all records. Use electronic forms of communication and documentation. Implement effective patient/family teaching and assess readiness to learn. Identify learning needs of self and others; set goals and develop learning opportunities. Demonstrate compassion, understanding, and professionalism. Show accountability, compassion, integrity, and respect toward others. Act as a supportive team member. Achieve required UTMB Competency and Clinical Advancement points to maintain NC III level. Complete annual self‑evaluation for competency and performance evaluations. Meet periodic UTMB and unit compliance requirements for health screening, training, attendance, safety, and CPR. Adhere to internal controls and reporting structure. Marginal or Periodic Job Functions Perform related duties as required. Salary Range Salary commensurate with experience. Equal Employment Opportunity UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Primary Location United States—Texas—Galveston #J-18808-Ljbffr