RN Perioperative Nurse

Job Summary:

The Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing direct patient care across three critical surgical service areas: Pre-Operative (Pre-op), Operating Room Circulator (OR), and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). This role requires the RN to function as a primary caregiver in all three areas, managing patient assessments, care documentation, emotional support, patient transfers, surgical case circulation, instrument processing, and patient education. The RN must adhere to infection control principles and national standards in surgical services, ensuring high-quality care throughout the surgical process. Responsibilities:

• Conduct patient assessments and document care in Pre-op, OR, and PACU settings.
• Provide emotional support and patient education related to surgical procedures.
• Coordinate patient transfers and recovery processes post-surgery.
• Circulate surgical cases, assisting with intraoperative patient care.
• Assist with processing instruments and equipment in central sterilizing.
• Adhere to infection control standards and departmental policies.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to ensure patient safety and quality care.
• Support other staff members as needed within the surgical services.

Required Skills & Certifications:

• Current Registered Nurse licensure in Colorado.
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in Pre-op, OR, and PACU nursing.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Ability to perform effectively in high-stress environments with strong communication skills.
• Physical ability to stand for long periods, walk extensively, and perform heavy lifting.
• Knowledge of infection control practices and national standards (IAHCSMM, AORN, ASGE, ASPAN).

Preferred Skills & Certifications:

• Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification.
• Scrub nurse experience.
• Experience with general, OB/GYN, ophthalmic (cataract), and orthopedic surgeries.

Special Considerations:

• Exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious diseases, and unpleasant sights and smells.
• Mental resilience to work effectively under highly stressful situations.
• Rotational surgical call averaging 1 to 2 days per week, including every other or every third weekend.
• Adherence to strict infection control and surgical service policies.

Scheduling:

• 40-hour work week with general hours from 6:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Occasional late days to complete surgical case loads.
• Rotational call coverage on weekdays, weekends, and holidays as part of circulating staff.