Operating Room Charge Nurse

The Operating Room Charge Nurse provides clinical leadership and coordination of daily operating room activities within an Ambulatory Surgery Center. This position serves as a clinical leader and resource for OR nursing staff, surgical technologists, and other perioperative personnel while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety, quality, efficiency, regulatory compliance, and exceptional patient care.

The Charge Nurse works collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nursing leadership, surgical technology staff, sterile processing, pre-operative and PACU staff, and administrative leadership to ensure safe and efficient surgical operations.

Clinical Leadership

• Provide daily clinical leadership and direction to OR staff
• Serve as a clinical resource and role model for nurses, surgical technologists, and other perioperative team members
• Promote a culture of teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and respectful communication
• Assist with staff assignments based on surgical schedule, patient acuity, staff competency, and operational needs
• Provide guidance and support during complex or unexpected clinical situations
• Assist with staff scheduling and assignments
• Assist with orientation, training, competency validation, and development of OR staff
• Identify staff education needs and communicate them to the Director of Nursing

Patient Safety and Quality

• Maintain responsibility for ensuring safe patient care throughout the perioperative process
• Ensure compliance with facility policies, procedures, standards of practice, and applicable regulatory requirements
• Reinforce appropriate use of surgical safety practices through adherence to policies and procedures
• Immediately address and escalate patient safety concerns or potential adverse events
• Participate in quality improvement activities, audits, safety initiatives, and corrective action plans
• Assist with incident and event reporting and follow-up as appropriate

Operating Room Coordination

• Coordinate daily OR activities to support efficient patient flow and on-time starts
• Review the surgical schedule and anticipate staffing, equipment, instrumentation, implant, and supply needs
• Communicate anticipated schedule changes, delays, cancellations, and other operational concerns to appropriate departments and leadership
• Coordinate with Sterile Processing and Materials Management regarding instrument availability, sterilization concerns, loaner trays, and urgent supply needs prior to procedures

Physician and Anesthesia Collaboration

• Maintain professional and effective communication with surgeons, anesthesia providers, physician office staff, and surgical representatives
• Anticipate surgeon and anesthesia needs, proactively address and resolve concerns, and appropriately escalate unresolved issues to nursing leadership
• Communicate changes in patient status, surgical plans, equipment needs, or other concerns to the appropriate provider

Staff Management and Accountability

• Provide direction and support to OR staff during daily assignments
• Monitor staff adherence to policies, procedures, attendance expectations, professional standards, and safe work practices
• Identify immediate performance, conduct, or workflow concerns and escalate concerns to the Director of Nursing
• Promote staff accountability for completing assigned responsibilities
• Assist with competency validation and annual education requirements
• Help foster a positive work environment focused on teamwork, professionalism, adaptability, and patient-centered care

Regulatory and Compliance

• Maintain compliance with all applicable standards, state, federal, and accreditation requirements
• Participate in audits and corrective action activities as assigned

Emergency Preparedness

• Assist in maintaining staff competency related to emergency procedures

Administrative Responsibilities

• Assist the Director of Nursing with daily operational responsibilities
• Provide appropriate communication to Director of Nursing regarding staffing, patient care concerns, equipment issues, physician concerns, and operational barriers
• Assist with monitoring OR productivity, turnover times, first-case starts, cancellations, delays, and other operational metrics
• Participate in staff meetings, leadership meetings, quality initiatives, and performance improvement activities
• Assist with development and implementation of policies, procedures, and workflow improvements

Occupational Exposure

This position involves Category I exposure to bloodborne pathogens, frequent exposure to chemical hazards, and may encounter radiation exposure hazards.