Registered Nurse, OR / PACU

Job Description

Job Description

Description:

About the Role

The Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR / PACU) delivers safe, evidence-based perioperative nursing care to surgical patients across all phases, including preoperative, intraoperative, and post-anesthesia recovery. This RN primarily functions as a circulating nurse, collaborating closely with the surgical team to ensure optimal patient outcomes. The nurse also supports PACU operations as needed and may provide additional clinical coverage on an as-needed basis to meet departmental needs.

How You’ll Make an Impact

As the OR RN, you deliver safe, evidence-based perioperative care across preoperative, intraoperative, and post-anesthesia phases. You coordinate with the surgical team as a circulating nurse to ensure efficiency, safety, and optimal patient outcomes. You support PACU operations and step in as need to maintain continuity of care and meet department demands.

Customer Service

• Uphold patient-centered care by preserving dignity, privacy, and emotional well-being throughout the surgical experience.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with patients, families, physicians, anesthesia providers, and the interdisciplinary team.
• Respond promptly and professionally to patient needs, concerns, and questions.
• Maintains a calm, reassuring presence in high-stress and fast-paced environments.

Billing Procedures & Accounts Receivables

• Document perioperative care accurately in the electronic health record, including supplies, implants, and any variances.
• Ensures accurate case charging in collaboration with materials management and billing teams.
• Verifies that all case documentation meets regulatory and compliance standards.

Inventory & Order Placements

• Monitor surgical supplies, instrumentation, implants, and equipment inventory to support efficient case flow.
• Notify leadership promptly of supply shortages, equipment issues, or special case requirements.
• Use supplies in a cost-conscious manner while maintaining patient safety and quality of care.
• Maintain sterile supplies and ensure proper storage in accordance with policy and standards.

Policies & Procedures

• Adhere to hospital policies, Association of perioperative Registered Nurses standards, infection prevention guidelines, and regulatory requirements across all phases of perioperative care.
• Maintains strict sterile technique and follow surgical safety protocols, including time-outs and surgical counts.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, audits, and performance improvement activities.
• Comply with patient safety goals, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations, and workplace safety standards.

Organizational Support

• Collaborates with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and support staff to ensure efficient surgical flow and optimal patient outcomes.
• Participates in on call rotation, department meetings, and ongoing education and training activities.
• Supports new staff through orientation, mentoring, and precepting as assigned.
• Demonstrate flexibility to meet evolving departmental and organizational needs.

Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Kansas or compact license eligible for Kansas. 
• Graduate from an accredited nursing program (Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing). 
• Minimum of one (1) year of perioperative nursing experience preferred; PACU or critical care experience strongly preferred. 
• Maintain current BLS certification; ACLS and PALS preferred or required within designated timeframe. 
• Successful completion of hospital orientation, competency validation, and annual education requirements.
• Perioperative, PACU, or critical care experience preferred but not required.

Who You Are

• Demonstrate clinical competence, attention to detail, and a strong commitment to patient safety.
• Uphold professional and ethical standards while maintaining strict confidentiality. 
• Adapt effectively to fast-paced, high*acuity, and unpredictable environments. 
• Collaborate as a team member with a strong sense of accountability and integrity. 
• Committed to continuous learning and ongoing quality improvement.

Skills & Capabilities

• Demonstrate strong knowledge of perioperative nursing practices and aseptic techniques.
• Effectively prioritize, multitask, and exercise sound clinical judgement in dynamic clinical settings. 
• Maintain accurate documentation and proficiency in electronic health record systems. 
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with patients and the interdisciplinary team.
• Meet physical demands of the role, including assisting with patient positioning, standing for extended periods, and lifting in accordance with policy.
• Perform patient assessments and administer medications bases on post-anesthesia patient needs and clinical condition. 

Position Details

Schedule: Full-time or part-time, 33-40 hours per week, variable shifts. On-call required weekdays and weekends as needed. Someone is on call 24/7 for surgery and C-Sections.

Physical Requirements: Standing, walking, bending, lifting up to 25 lbs. (with assistance as needed), and ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.

Equipment: Standard surgery equipment.

Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have reviewed and understand the contents of this job description. I understand that this document may be revised at the organization’s discretion and does not constitute a contract of employment. Employment is at will and may be changed with or without notice, including but not limited to duties, location, compensation, benefits, or employment status.