Lead Operating Room Registered Nurse

OrthoNY is opening a brand new, state-of-the-art Ambulatory Surgery Center in Wilton, NY and we're looking for an experienced Operating Room Nurse to support the Clinical Nurse Manager!

The Lead Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN) – Flow Coordinator provides real-time clinical and operational coordination within the perioperative environment. This role is responsible for optimizing OR case flow, resource utilization, and interdisciplinary communication to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical care.

The Lead OR RN functions as a central point of coordination, supporting adherence to AORN standards, promoting patient safety, and fostering a collaborative, team-based environment consistent with Magnet principles.

Responsibilities

Case Flow & Operations

• Manage the OR schedule board in real time, ensuring accurate case progression.
• Coordinate case sequencing, room assignments, and workflow adjustments to maintain efficiency.
• Identify and address delays, barriers, or opportunities to improve throughput.
• Optimize room utilization and turnover efficiency in collaboration with perioperative teams.
• Serve as the primary communication hub for OR operations.
• Communicate updates, delays, and changes with surgeons, anesthesia providers, Pre-op and PACU teams, and Sterile Processing Department (SPD).
• Participate in daily huddles and communicate operational needs to leadership.
  
  

Resource & Staffing Coordination

• Assist with real-time staffing adjustments to support workflow demands.
• Coordinate staff breaks and meal coverage while maintaining patient care and flow.
• Ensure availability of necessary equipment, supplies, and instrumentation.
  
  

Room Turnover & Efficiency

• Monitor and facilitate timely room turnover and readiness for subsequent cases.
• Coordinate with SPD and environmental services to minimize delays.
• Identify and escalate barriers impacting turnover or case readiness.
  
  

Clinical Support

• Provide clinical support as needed, including room preparation, patient transport, or specialized assistance to maintain efficient patient care and workflow.
• Serve as a resource for perioperative procedures and processes, guiding staff on protocols, resolving workflow issues, and upholding standards throughout surgical care.
• Take assignments as necessary to support clinical needs and ensure continuous patient care.
  
  

Quality & Safety

• Ensure adherence to AORN standards and guidelines, surgical safety checklists and protocols, and infection prevention and sterile technique practices.
• Monitor compliance with safety and documentation requirements.
• Escalate safety concerns in alignment with a Just Culture approach.
  
  

Documentation & Systems

• Maintain accurate, real-time updates in the OR scheduling system (SIS).
• Document delays, changes, and workflow updates as required.
  
  

Professional Practice

• Promote a collaborative, respectful, and team-oriented environment.
• Support staff through communication, coordination, and informal guidance.
• Contribute to a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  
  

Qualifications

Education and Certifications

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred
• Current NYS Registered Nurse (RN) license required
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred
• CNOR certification preferred
• Minimum 3–5 years of perioperative (OR) nursing experience
• Prior experience in charge nurse, flow coordination, or high-volume surgical setting preferred
  
  

Key Competencies

• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Effective communication and teamwork
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
• Critical thinking and problem-solving
• Knowledge of OR workflow, surgical procedures, and sterile technique
  
  

Work Environment

• Fast-paced surgical setting with frequent interruptions
• Requires prolonged standing and physical activity