OR Circulator Nurse

Position Summary:

The OR Circulator Nurse (RN) serves as the patient’s advocate in the operating room by managing all nursing care, coordinating activities, and ensuring a safe environment.  This position key responsibilities involve preparing the OR, verifying patient and procedure details, assisting the surgical team from a non-sterile role, and documenting the procedure. This position monitors the patient's condition and the team's adherence to aseptic technique, handles specimens, and manages the flow of the room.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Utilizes nursing process in assessment, evaluation, and intervention in patient care as provided in the operating room.
• Ensures the OR is set up appropriately for each case, including using the surgeon preference card to review the supplies pulled for each case, for the next day.
• Prior to transporting the patient from Pre-op to OR identifies the patient, reviews with the patient the site and procedure to be performed and ensures the completion of the medical record, including H&P.
• Demonstrates continued competence in assessing, treating, and caring for individuals based upon age-specific needs utilizing a developmental perspective.
• Assists anesthesiologist before, during and after case as indicated.

• Post-surgery visually verifies accuracy of surgical counts of items used during surgery. Such items are counted and documented accurately in the EMR.  Counted items may include, but not limited to, sponges, peanuts, needles, surgical blades, cautery tips, cottonoids, injectables, instruments, and implants.   
• Complete all documentation to ensure the availability of accurate and up to date information in accordance with established standards.
• Adheres to established hospital safety requirements and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Is knowledgeable of supplies and protocols in the event an emergency arises.
• Demonstrates the safe operation of equipment and machinery and follows procedures for reporting and correcting an unsafe situation.
• Communicates patient information to assure confidentiality and continuity of care.
• Perform duties as identified by hospital policies and procedures and in accordance with accepted AORN standards.
• Actively participates in the Quality Improvement program and other ongoing risk management and safety programs as part of the O.R. Team.
• Interacts with all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees in a mature, responsible manner to ensure a positive and professional surgery center environment.
• Actively protects patients and self by following OSHA and other standards reviewed in annual training.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Actively supports and upholds the mission and core values of the Hospital.
• Remains knowledgeable of and follows the policies of the Hospital.
• Always maintains patient and hospital confidentiality.
• Keeps OR Supervisor apprised of day-to-day situations if appropriate.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Associate’s degree from an accredited two-year college or university, or diploma in nursing. BSN desired. 

Certification:

• Possession of valid state license as Registered Nurse in the state of Kansas. BLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) required.  ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of one year experience as surgery circulating nurse, prefer experience with spinal procedures.

Environmental and Physical Requirements:

Standing and Walking: 

•  The role requires frequent and prolonged periods of standing and walking. There could be occasional sitting required for computer documentation.

Lifting and Moving: 

•  RNs must regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or assist in moving items (such as heavy instrument trays or equipment) or patients weighing up to 100 pounds or more.

Dexterity and Coordination: 

•  Excellent manual dexterity, control, and eye-hand coordination are essential for handling instruments and supplies quickly and accurately.

Physical Movements: 

•  The job involves frequent bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, balancing, and reaching with hands and arms above head and below waist. Vision for near, mid-range, far and accommodation.  Hearing for low, medium, and high pitch. 

Stamina: 

•  High physical stamina is required to maintain focus and physical performance throughout long, demanding shifts, which may include nights, weekends, and on-call work.

Patient Handling: 

•  RNs are responsible for positioning, lifting, and transferring conscious or unconscious patients to and from the operating table or stretchers.

Environmental Exposure: 

• The work environment in the operating room is temperature controlled. However, the environment can involve exposure to unpleasant sights and odors, communicable diseases, toxic/caustic chemicals, fumes, and the need to always wear protective attire. 

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) & Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement:

Our hospital is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Additionally, we provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and employment process. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resources so that we may engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate