Registered Nurse (RN) - Main Operating Room (Full time, 3 12hr Shifts w/call)

Organization Overview, Mission, Vision, and Values

Our mission is to improve the health of people in the communities we serve through compassionate, high-quality care, prevention, and wellness education. Washington Regional Medical System is a community-owned, locally governed, non-profit health care system located in Northwest Arkansas in the heart of Fayetteville, which is consistently ranked among the Best Places to live in the country. Our 425-bed medical center has been named the #1 hospital in Arkansas for five consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report. We employ 3,400 team members and serve the region with over 40 clinic locations, the region’s only Level II trauma center, and five Centers of Excellence - the Washington Regional J.B. Hunt Transport Services Neuroscience Institute; Washington Regional Walker Heart Institute; Washington Regional Women and Infants Center; Washington Regional Total Joint Center; and Washington Regional Pat Walker Center for Seniors.

Position Summary

The role of the Registered Nurse – Operating Room (the “OR”) reports to the Surgery Manager (RN). This position provides comprehensive perioperative care to patients before, during, and after surgery. This position is responsible for preparing the OR and equipment, assisting the surgical team by passing instruments, monitoring patient vital signs, and managing postoperative recovery. This position must possess a strong understanding of surgical procedures, critical thinking skills, and excellent communication to collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other staff members.

Essential Position Responsibilities

• Evaluate patient health, discuss the procedure, and alleviate concerns.
• Prepare the patient for surgery, which may include administering medications, starting IVs, and verifying the surgical site.
• Ensure the operating room is sterile, clean, and fully stocked with necessary instruments and equipment.
• Continuously monitor the patient's vital signs and anesthesia throughout the procedure. 
• Assist the surgeon and other medical staff by passing instruments and supplies as needed.
• Maintain a sterile field and adhere to infection control protocols to prevent contamination.
• Provide and monitor care as the patient recovers from anesthesia.
• Educate patients and their families on post-operative care instructions and follow-up requirements.
• Maintain accurate and detailed patient records, including surgical logs and care plans. 
• Work closely with surgeons and other surgical staff effectively communicating with the surgical team to ensure optimal patient care.
• Coordinate with the healthcare team for a smooth transition to the next phase of care
• Assist in the transfer of patients to the recovery area.
• Participate in cleaning and preparing the OR for the next case assisting with post-operative cleanup.

Qualifications

• Education: Graduate from an accredited nursing program.
• Licensure and Certifications: Active and unencumbered RN license & CPR required. ACLS and PALS are required within 90 days of date of hire or transfer.
• Experience: Previous nursing experience or experience in an operating room, preferred.  

Work Environment: This position will spend 80% of time standing and/or walking while pushing, pulling, lifting, and/or carrying up to 50 lbs. while performing work in an operating room. This position will spend 20% of time sitting while performing work in a surgical environment. This position is exposed to body fluids, radiation and communicable disease. This position serves a culturally and linguistically diverse patient population.