Registered Nurse (RN) - OR Circulator

General Information:

Job title: Circulating Registered Nurse (RN) - Operating Rooms

Schedules Available: Full-time, 80 hours per pay period or regular scheduled time; Monday - Thursday, 10 hour shifts, on-call rotation required

Weekend rotation: Rotated on-call schedule

Holiday rotation: Rotated on-call schedule

Position Summary:

The Circulating Registered Nurse position works in our progressive and fast paced surgery department, with a primary emphasis of duty that involves the management of the patient care in the operative setting and immediate post-surgery recovery. The Circulating Registered Nurse is accountable for delivering optimal service to patients, surgeons, and physicians.

Position Responsibilities:

• Patient Assessment
  • Verify patient identification, surgical site and relevant information
  • Conduct thorough assessments of patients, including reviewing medical history, medications, and allergies.
  • Collaborate with the anesthesia team and surgeons to ensure patient readiness for surgery.
• Circulating Duties
  • Confirm and prepare the operating room with the necessary equipment, supplies, and instruments.
  • Serve as a circulator during surgical procedures, coordinating and managing the flow of the operating room.
  • Ensure adherence to aseptic techniques, infection control protocols, and safety standards.
• Postoperative Care
  • Assist in transferring the patient to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) or the designated recovery area.
  • Admit and provide care to patients in the PACU as needed.
  • Provide thorough handover to receiving RN regarding the patient's condition and any special considerations.
• Patient Advocacy
  • Advocate for patient safety and comfort throughout the surgical experience.
  • Monitor and assess patients during surgery, addressing any changes in condition promptly.
  • Communicate with patients and their families, providing education and emotional support.
• Collaboration
  • Collaborates with surgeons, CRNAs, surgical technologist, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient outcomes.
  • Communicate effectively with the perioperative team to ensure a seamless and efficient workflow.
• Documentation and Record Keeping
  • Accurately document all aspects of the perioperative nursing process, including assessments, interventions, and patient responses.
  • Maintain thorough and up-to-date patient records in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Quality Assurance
  • Conducts audits as needed regarding documentation, charges, and outcomes.
  • Demonstrates understanding of fiscal accountability by monitoring supply usage and costs at the department level.
  • Participates in performance improvement initiatives.
• Training and development
  • Provides training and orientation for new staff.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Position Requirements:

• Two-year degree in nursing required. BSN preferred.
• Must hold and maintain Wisconsin Registered Nursing license. RNs with an active Compact Licensure are to obtain a Wisconsin RN license within 90 days of start date.
• BLS certification required or obtained within 3 months of hire.
• ACLS certification required or obtained within 12 months of hire.
• PALS certification recommended.
• CNOR certification preferred.
• 1+ years related work experience preferred.
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail required.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic surgical environment.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Intermediate proficiency with computers is required.
• Comprehensive nursing skills and knowledge of equipment such as retinal scanners, EKG, etc.
• Thorough understanding of triage.
• Understanding of lab procedures and equipment.
• Strong quantitative and analytical competency.
• Self-starter with excellent interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.
• Stays current with advances in perioperative nursing and participates in training sessions to enhance skills and knowledge.