OR Circulating Nurse

Job Summary

OAOC is a newly opened, physician-owned operatory center in Fairfax, Virginia, focused on ear, nose, and throat surgery for adult and pediatric patients. We are building a small, high-performing operatory team that values precision, efficiency, and compassionate care, especially for our youngest patients and their families.

Position Summary

We are seeking a skilled Registered Nurse to serve as the circulating nurse in our operating rooms. The circulator is the patient's advocate and the coordinator of the surgical team, responsible for the safety, documentation, and flow of every case. The ideal candidate has perioperative circulating experience, is comfortable caring for pediatric patients and their families, and thrives in a fast-paced, high-turnover outpatient setting. This position reports to the OR Nurse Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as circulating nurse for pediatric and adult ENT procedures, coordinating the surgical team and managing the flow of each case
• Complete preoperative patient and family assessments, verify identity, procedure, site, allergies, consents, and NPO status, and communicate concerns to the surgeon and anesthesia provider
• Lead the surgical safety checklist, including the time-out, and speak up to pause a case when a safety requirement is not met
• Prepare the operating room, verify equipment, supplies, and instruments are available and functioning, and confirm correct preference cards for each case
• Position, prep, and drape patients safely, with attention to pediatric positioning, thermoregulation, and pressure injury prevention
• Perform and document accurate sponge, sharps, and instrument counts with the scrub technologist
• Manage specimens, medications, implants, and devices per policy, including labeling, handling, and chain of custody
• Maintain complete, timely, and accurate intraoperative documentation
• Support anesthesia and recovery teams, including patient handoff and transfer to post-anesthesia care
• Follow pediatric-specific safety protocols, including weight-based medication considerations, equipment sizing, and family-centered care
• Respond to emergencies, including malignant hyperthermia, airway emergencies, and patient transfer, and participate in drills
• Promote strict infection prevention, aseptic technique, and sterile field integrity, and guide surgical technologists and support staff in these practices
• Participate in quality assurance, incident reporting, and survey readiness activities, and maintain professional competencies

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; bachelor's degree in nursing preferred
• Current, unrestricted Virginia Registered Nurse license, or a valid multistate (compact) license recognized in Virginia
• Current BLS and ACLS certification; PALS certification current or obtained within the timeframe required by OAOC
• Minimum 2 years of perioperative nursing experience, including circulating in the operating room
• Working knowledge of perioperative standards, aseptic technique, infection prevention, and medication safety
• Strong clinical judgment, communication, and prioritization skills
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift or assist with moving patients, equipment, and supplies consistent with facility policy
• Reliable, team-oriented, and calm under pressure

Preferred Qualifications

• Pediatric perioperative experience
• ENT surgery experience, including familiarity with endoscopic and microscope-assisted procedures
• Experience in an ambulatory surgery center or other outpatient surgical setting
• CNOR certification
• Experience with an electronic health record in a surgical setting
• Experience supporting a new or start-up operatory or surgical facility

Compensation & Schedule

• Pay: $42 – $50 per hour, based on experience
• Schedule: Monday – Friday; no weekends; no call
• Status: Full-time, on-site

Pay: $42.00 - $50.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Perioperative/OR Nursing: 5 years (Required)
• ASC: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Virginia RN License and BLS/CPR, ACLS and PALS (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $42 - $50