PACU / OR Circulating nurse

PACU / OR Circulating Nurse

Callista Surgery Center GSA - WALNUT CREEK, CA 94598

Salary Range $74.00 - $80.00 Hourly Position Type Part Time

Overview

Callista Surgery Center is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) for the PACU and Operating Room Circulator to join our surgical team in Walnut Creek, California. This position plays an integral role in providing safe, efficient, and high-quality nursing care throughout the perioperative experience.

Description

The RN will support both Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nursing and Operating Room circulator nursing responsibilities, working collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, and other members of the healthcare team. The ideal candidate has strong perioperative nursing experience, excellent clinical judgment, and the ability to transition effectively between operating room and post-anesthesia responsibilities in a fast-paced single-operating room ambulatory surgery center.

Key Responsibilities

OR Circulating Responsibilities Perform circulating nurse responsibilities for surgical procedures in accordance with facility policies, nursing standards, and applicable regulatory requirements. Review the surgical schedule and prepare the operating room for scheduled procedures. Verify patient identity, procedure, surgical site, consent, allergies, and other required preoperative documentation. Participate in pre-procedure verification and surgical time-out processes. Complete and document appropriate preoperative nursing assessments. Coordinate patient positioning and ensure appropriate safety measures are maintained throughout the procedure. Maintain patient privacy, dignity, comfort, and safety throughout the surgical experience. Monitor and maintain appropriate aseptic and infection-control practices within the operating room. Collaborate with the Surgical Technologist to perform and document sponge, sharps, and instrument counts. Ensure medications and solutions used within the operating room are appropriately identified, handled, and documented. Handle and document surgical specimens in accordance with facility policies. Coordinate communication among surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, PACU staff, and other members of the care team. Document intraoperative nursing care accurately and completely in the patient's medical record.

Identify changes in patient condition and initiate appropriate interventions. Assist with efficient room turnover and preparation for subsequent procedures. Ensure equipment, medications, supplies, and emergency resources are available and functioning appropriately.

PACU Responsibilities Receive patients following anesthesia and provide appropriate post-anesthesia nursing care. Perform and document comprehensive postoperative assessments. Continuously monitor airway, respiratory status, oxygenation, circulation, neurological status, pain, surgical sites, and other clinical indicators. Recognize changes in patient condition and initiate appropriate nursing interventions. Administer medications and treatments according to physician or anesthesia provider orders and within the RN scope of practice. Assess and manage postoperative pain, nausea, and other symptoms. Monitor patients for potential postoperative or anesthesia-related complications. Communicate significant changes in patient condition promptly to the appropriate provider. Maintain patient safety throughout the recovery process. Provide postoperative education and discharge instructions to patients and responsible caregivers. Evaluate patient readiness for discharge according to established criteria and facility policies. Ensure appropriate documentation and continuity of care throughout the recovery and discharge process.

Patient Safety & Clinical Responsibilities Follow infection-prevention practices, standard precautions, and medication-safety procedures. Maintain a safe, clean, and organized clinical environment. Respond appropriately to emergency situations and participate in emergency interventions as required. Demonstrate knowledge of emergency equipment, medications, and facility emergency procedures. Maintain confidentiality of patient information and comply with HIPAA requirements. Complete patient and employee incident documentation accurately and timely when required. Ensure appropriate handling, administration, storage, and documentation of medications and controlled substances. Identify potential safety concerns and promptly communicate them to appropriate leadership. Participate in quality improvement, infection prevention, and patient-safety initiatives.

Team & Facility Support Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, Surgical Technologists, nursing staff, and other members of the healthcare team. Maintain accurate and timely patient documentation. Assist with maintaining appropriate inventory levels of medications, supplies, and equipment. Participate in staff meetings, in-service education, competency assessments, and continuing education activities. Maintain current knowledge of perioperative nursing standards and best practices. Demonstrate professional, compassionate, and respectful communication with patients, families, and teammates. Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

Education &Experience Graduate of an accredited Registered Nursing program required. Current and unrestricted California Registered Nurse (RN) license required. Previous perioperative, operating room, and/or PACU nursing experience strongly preferred. Ambulatory surgery center experience preferred. Experience supporting plastic surgery procedures preferred. Strong knowledge of perioperative nursing, patient assessment, medication administration, infection prevention, and emergency response.

Certifications

Current American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required. Current American Heart Association Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required. PALS certification preferred or required based on facility patient population and policy.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking skills. Knowledge of perioperative and post-anesthesia nursing practices. Ability to recognize and respond quickly to changes in patient condition. Knowledge of surgical asepsis and infection-control practices. Strong medication administration and patient-safety skills. Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Ability to work collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and surgical staff. Compassionate and professional bedside manner. Ability to remain calm and effective during emergency or high-stress situations. Strong documentation and organizational skills. Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Exciting Perks

40% off products and procedures, as well as the ability to participate in free annual injectable events Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits Company paid short and long-term disability as well as life insurance Safe Harbor 401K match up to 4% Flex spending accounts and commuter benefits Employee Assistance Program (EAP) counseling for the stresses of everyday life Exclusive discounts for theme parks, attractions, hotels, concerts, and movie tickets. Employees accrue PTO from their first day of employment. Additionally, employees who work over 20 hours in a pay period are eligible for 9 paid holidays. Pet insurance to cover the healthcare needs of all your pets