What are the responsibilities and job description for the OR / PACU Charge Nurse (RN) position at The Richland Hospital?
Location: The Richland Hospital – Richland Center, WI
Schedule: 1.0 FTE M-F
Position Summary
The OR/PACU Charge Nurse provides clinical, operational, and leadership oversight for the Operating Room (OR) and Post‑Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) during daily hours of operation and on‑call periods. This role is a hands‑on perioperative leader and generalist, balancing charge nurse responsibilities with direct patient care.
In our rural hospital setting, the OR/PACU Charge Nurse ensures safe surgical and recovery care, efficient patient flow, regulatory compliance, and strong collaboration across perioperative services while supporting staff, surgeons, and anesthesia providers.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
- Core competency is demonstrated by the ability to carry out the following responsibilities:
- Provide shift oversight of nursing care delivery and adherence to standards, policies, and procedures
- Supervise staff and offer professional coaching, feedback, and support
- Assess patient care activities and the environment to identify continuous improvement opportunities
- Coordinate daily staffing based on surgeon block schedules and departmental needs
- Serve as a clinical resource expert for perioperative nursing care and procedures
- Assist with challenging situations through effective communication, de‑escalation, and risk mitigation; utilize debriefing processes and escalate concerns to the Surgery Director as appropriate
- Anticipate patient, staff, and team needs to improve outcomes and operational efficiency
- Problem‑solve and adjust staffing to maintain safe, effective operations
- Support orientation and preceptorship of new staff
- Provide direct patient care in the OR and PACU as needed while balancing charge nurse responsibilities
- Conduct and facilitate staff huddles in the manager’s absence
- Address surgeon and CRNA needs to support efficient surgical services
- Maintain comprehensive working knowledge of unit policies, procedures, and available resources
- Act as a liaison to medical staff and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary departments
- Assist with evaluation and utilization of clinical equipment
- Adhere to and promote the 7 C’s among team members
- Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing
- Minimum of 1 year combined OR and PACU experience, or equivalent; rural or community hospital experience preferred
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and lead effectively in low‑resource settings
- Current BLS required
- ACLS and PALS required within six months of hire
Why Join The Richland Hospital?
- Make a meaningful impact in a close‑knit rural healthcare setting
- Work in a collaborative, team‑oriented environment
- Opportunity to lead while remaining hands‑on in patient care
- Supportive leadership focused on quality, safety, and staff development
How to Apply:
Interested candidates may complete an online application at http://www.richlandhospital.com or submit a resume to hr@richlandhospital.com.
The Richland Hospital, Inc.
333 East Second Street
Richland Center, WI 53581
EOE
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Salary : $85,294 - $110,748