RN OR Circulator

Position Summary

The Operating Room (OR) Circulator Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, and coordinating patient care throughout the surgical process, from admission to discharge. The OR RN ensures the achievement of patient outcomes through the implementation of critical pathways in alignment with the facility’s philosophy, standards of practice, and regulatory requirements. This role is pivotal in ensuring patient safety, maintaining a sterile environment, and providing support to the surgical team.

Essential Functions

• Ability to correlate clinical data with patient’s medical and nursing care.
• Ability to set priorities and ensure the efficient flow of patients through the OR.
• Ability to provide clear and concise direction to others, promoting efficiency in clinical areas.
• Effective communication skills with patients, families, teammates, physicians, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Assess, plan, evaluate, and ensure the implementation of patient care from admission to discharge to achieve identified outcomes, delivering safe patient care according to facility policy and procedure.
• Demonstrate the ability to direct and provide patient care in emergency situations according to physician and administrative policy.
• Assist in the operating room turnover.
• Participate in the orientation and training of nursing staff.
• Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and competence in the skills required for patient care duties.
• Promote physical comfort and provide emotional support and safety for patients and their families.
• Verify the surgical/procedure site with the patient, surgical schedule, patient consent, and history and physical.
• Ensure all OR staff complies with the “Time Out” process.
• Complete nursing documentation for each operative procedure.
• Assemble cases according to schedule and physician preference cards.
• Assist the Clinical Manager in reviewing, updating, and creating preference cards.
• In the pre-operative area, introduce self to the patient, verify patient identity, assess patient needs, alleviate anxiety, clarify the operative site, and check the chart for necessary documentation.
• Practice and monitor aseptic techniques, ensuring the surgical time-out process is adhered to per facility policy.
• Position the patient relevant to the procedure, with awareness of body alignment, circulation, and pressure points.
• Apply electrosurgical return electrodes, tourniquets, and other devices according to physician preference and facility policies.
• Complete the operating room fire risk assessment for each case and document it I n the patient’s operative record.
• Be accountable for accuracy and documentation of sponge, needle, and instrument counts.
• Properly label and care for specimens according to facility guidelines.
• Maintain adequate room supplies, assist in stocking, replenishing, and preparing supplies, and notify appropriate staff to order supplies as needed.
• Assist physicians and anesthesia personnel as needed during surgical procedures.
• Assist the anesthesia department in stocking the anesthesia cart and machine. Notify appropriate staff to order anesthesia supplies as needed.

Other Related Functions

• Clean equipment and the operating room according to procedure.
• Maintain a neat, clean disinfected and organized environment that promotes safety.
• Maintain attendance according to facility guidelines and policy.
• Provide notification for unscheduled absences or tardiness according to departmental procedures, and request scheduled time off as required.
• Complete all teammate/patient event and variance documentation in a thorough and timely manner.
• Attend unit-based staff meetings and review minutes for any meetings missed.
• Assist the Clinical Manager with the operating room monthly surveillance.
• Maintain certification requirements and submit required certifications to facility management (i.e., conscious sedation, CNOR, etc.).
• Strive to be professional, courteous, helpful, and cooperative in all interactions with patients, families, visitors, and employees.
• Comply with OSHA and Joint Commission standards, HIPAA regulations, and all facility policies and procedures.
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the manager.

Education/Training

• Registered Nurse for Three (3) plus years required.
• OR Circulator of two (2) plus years is desirable.

Licensure/Certification

• Registered Nurse (RN) License in Florida
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) required based on ASC patient minimum age.

Experience

• One (1) plus year of experience in a Hospital Operating Room, required.
• Two (2) plus years of experience Multi-Specialty Ambulatory Surgery Center or Outpatient facility, preferred.
• Building strong relationships with Physicians.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.