RN, Doernbecher Operating Room

Department Overview

The Doernbecher Operating Room at OHSU is a high-acuity surgical environment dedicated to pediatric patients ranging from neonates to young adults. The unit consists of 10 operating rooms, including two Hybrid OR’s for advanced image-guided interventions and complex neurosurgical procedures and other specialized cases. Surgical services span a wide range of pediatric specialties, including general surgery, orthopedics, cardiac surgery, neurosurgery, urology, ENT, plastic surgery, gynecology, trauma, and transplant. Patients present with varying levels of acuity, from routine outpatient procedures to emergent, life-threatening conditions. In some cases, patients up to 24 years of age may be treated with anesthesia and provider approval. 

This position also comes with great benefits! Some highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care plans. Covered at 100% of the cost for full-time employees and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation - 192 to 288 hours per year depending on length of service, prorated for part-time
• Holidays - up to 64 holiday hours per calendar year (employees accrue .0308 holiday hours for each hour paid – included in vacation accruals)
• Sick Leave - 96 hours per year, prorated for part-time
• Substantial public transportation discounts (Tri-met and C-Tran)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Innovative Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including extensive wellness resources

Function/Duties of Position

The multidisciplinary team includes Operating Room Registered Nurses, Cardiac Cath Registered Nurses, Certified Surgical Technologists, Surgeons, Anesthesiologists and Registered Radiology Technologists, Core Techs and support staff. Teams collaborate closely to ensure safe, efficient, and developmentally appropriate surgical care for every patient. The department is open 24/7 to support scheduled, urgent, and emergent procedures. Dedicated on-call teams provide surgical coverage seven days a week, ensuring access to critical surgical interventions for pediatric patients across the region. As part of a leading academic medical center, Doernbecher’s Operating Room supports ongoing education, clinical research, and quality improvement initiatives. The team is committed to fostering a learning environment while delivering high-quality, family-centered care. Department Specific Working Conditions:

• Requires ability to push patients in stretchers around corners and through hallways throughout the shift.

• Requires the ability to work in a dark or dimly lit procedure room for extended periods.

• Requires weekend, holiday, and after-hours call; must be able to report to work within 45 minutes of being             called.

• Must be able to stand for up to 4 continuous hours and tolerate walking or moving throughout the entire                shift.

• Must be able to wear up to 20 pounds of lead protective equipment for procedures. 

• Must be able to assist with moving and turning sedated patients using safe patient handling equipment.

• May be required to float to other perioperative/procedural areas within OHSU based on department needs.

• Requires standing and walking on hard surfaces (concrete, vinyl, carpet) up to 12 hours per day,                           intermittently.

• Requires sitting on a chair or stool, intermittently, for up to 12 hours per day.

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, including lifting up to 50 pounds above head level, and                   push/pull up to      400 pounds intermittently during the shift.

• Requires bending, reaching, twisting, and overhead movement throughout the day.

• Must be able to safely use all patient care equipment in the Hybrid OR setting.

• Requires ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, tasks, and urgent clinical needs in a dynamic                 environment.

• May be exposed to body fluids, tissues, and infectious materials.

• Requires periods of computer use for documentation and coordination of care. 

• Must practice within the scope of Oregon nursing law and in alignment with AORN standards and                           recommended practices.

• Expected to integrate and demonstrate OHSU Core Competencies in all aspects of clinical practice:                         Accountability, Collaboration, Communication, Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Service Orientation, and                       Teamwork. 

• Excellent communication skills, including active listening, respectful engagement with diverse patient                     populations, and effective conflict resolution.

• Provides both direct and indirect professional nursing care.

• Uses the nursing process effectively, including assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

• Maintains composure and sound clinical judgment in high-stress and emergent situations.

• Practices in accordance with Oregon nursing law and adheres to standards and recommended practices.

• Serves as a role model in supporting and promoting OHSU’s vision and mission.

• Demonstrates and integrates OHSU Core Competencies into daily practice:

• Accountability, Collaboration, Communication, Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Service Orientation, Teamwork 

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in an operating room
• BSN Graduates: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from a program accredited by Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) 30 days before start date.
• ADN Graduates: Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited program 30 days before the start date.
• Associate degree Nurses required to enroll in BSN program within 3 years of hire and complete within 5 years of hire
• Current, unencumbered Oregon State Registered Nurse License
• BLS from AHA required. New hires will be enrolled and required to complete during orientation.
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialty certification preferred CNOR  • Pediatric OR experience  • A minimum score of 11 out of 18 on OHSUs Nurse Interview Evaluation Tool  • Knowledge of pediatric surgical instrumentation, equipment, regulations,              perioperative standards and the ability to troubleshoot issues pertaining to the      OR demonstrates strong clinical judgment, critical thinking, and effective              prioritization in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment  • Proficient IV insertion and management skills 

Additional Details

Length of Orientation – Experienced Nurse

• External candidates: OHSU & Nursing New Employee Orientation (NEO) for about a week.
• Either Transition to Practice (TTP) Program Specialty Fellowship/Fellowship Learning Pathway or Orientation experience for 3 days-26 weeks depending on the care area. An employment service agreement may apply.

6 positions available

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.

All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply.

To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]