Registered Nurse (RN) - Operating Room (OR)

Position Summary/Scope of responsibility

The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics LLC (CAO) is one of the nation's largest Orthopaedics practices, owned and operated by physicians, with over 60 locations across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia. With approximately 2,000 employees, working in 28 Divisions, CAO is a growing business with revenues of approximately $250 Million. CAO is committed to be the Orthopaedics provider of choice for our patients; partner of choice for payors and health systems; and employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce.

The Operating Room (OR) Nurse is responsible for providing safe, effective, and efficient patient care during surgical procedures in an outpatient setting. The OR Nurse works closely with the surgical team to ensure proper preparation, delivery, and post-operative transition of care. This role includes circulating and/or scrubbing duties, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and adherence to facility protocols in the Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC).

This position will support operations at Watkins Mill Surgery Center, ensuring efficient daily workflows and high-quality patient care delivery. Watkins Mill Surgery Center is a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, serving the DMV region and specializing in orthopedic surgery and pain management.

Salary Range

$45-55 /hour

Primary Responsibilities

The incumbent may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description. The duties and responsibilities of the position are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the Mission, Core Values and Operating Principles of CAO.

• Organize time, equipment, and supplies to maximize workflow and patient care.
• Use clinical equipment effectively, anticipating and meeting patient needs.
• Maintain cleanliness, order, and proper inventory levels in the operating areas.
• Participate actively as a team member in support of the full perioperative process.
• Direct and supervise patient care in a single operating room and ensure coordination with the surgical team.
• Delegate activities appropriately based on team member competencies and role.
• Support cost-effective care by minimizing waste and ensuring efficient turnover times.
• Address patient needs during admission to the OR, including physical and emotional support.
• Transport patients to and from the operating room in a safe and timely manner.
• Review medical records and plan care in coordination with other team members.
• Confirm patient identity, correct procedure, and operative site per protocol; participate in surgical timeouts.
• Maintain patient privacy, dignity, and comfort throughout the intraoperative phase.
• Provide education about the intraoperative process when appropriate.
• Function as the circulating nurse during procedures, adhering to established protocols.
• Prepare the OR environment and ensure all supplies, equipment, and instruments are present and functioning.
• Assist in safe patient positioning and preparation of the operative site.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgical and anesthesia teams during the procedure.
• Monitor and maintain strict aseptic technique and infection control practices.
• Provide a safe and supportive environment by monitoring OR parameters and ensuring patient comfort.
• Assist in equipment handling and respond promptly to changes in patient status.
• Communicate effectively with perioperative team members to ensure continuity of care.
• Document patient care activities, observations, and interventions in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Clearly convey patient status to the recovery team and other responsible caregivers.
• Accurately interpret and act on verbal orders and intraoperative instructions.
• Ensures consistent compliance with all regulatory and CAO guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationships

The Registered Nurse reports directly to the Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing

This role does not have direct reports.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate or bachelor's degree in nursing.
• RN license required.
• 1-2 years of experience working in an outpatient surgery, OR, ER, or ICU required.
• CPR Certification required.
• ACLS certification preferred.
• Proficient knowledge of medical terminology.
• Experience collaborating across multiple functions.
• Experience innovating in a fast-growing work environment and dealing with ambiguity.

Competencies / Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong Interpersonal Skills - Ability to develop relationships and collaborate and influence in a decentralized organization.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment with a proven track record of results.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with excellent self-discipline and patience.
• Able to work independently.
• Excellent time management, organization, and administrative support skills.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in the English language.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to use appropriate body mechanics when making necessary transfers and helping patients with exercises.
• Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, and sitting.
• Some heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling exerted regularly throughout a standard work shift.
• Adequate hearing to perform duties in person and over telephone.
• Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity needed to operate a keyboard, medical equipment, fax machine, scanner, photocopier, and telephone.
• Must be able to communicate clearly to patients in person and over the telephone.
• Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading materials from printed sources and computer screens.
• Requires exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical environment.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.