OPERATING ROOM RN - OPERATING ROOMS

The Operating Room Nurse provides continuity of care throughout the perioperative period, using scientific and behavioral practice to meet the individual needs of patients undergoing surgical intervention. This full-time position works a night shift (6:30 PM to 7:00 AM) on a 7 days on/7 days off schedule with no on-call requirements.

Responsibilities

• Assess the physical and emotional status of surgical patients, anticipating patient needs and providing appropriate support
• Verify patient identity, operative consent, operative site, medical records, and imaging prior to surgery
• Assemble equipment and supplies according to physician preference cards in collaboration with the scrub technician
• Maintain a safe operating room environment by implementing aseptic and technical practices
• Monitor operating room traffic and assist all surgical team members in maintaining proper aseptic technique
• Position patients using proper body alignment principles and assist with patient draping
• Perform and document instrument, sponge, and needle counts according to policy
• Document all intraoperative nursing care and activities that may affect patient outcomes
• Conduct and document "time-out" verification for operative site according to policy
• Prepare and manage medications and solutions at the operative field
• Operate operating room equipment including tables, lights, suction, electrosurgical units, and diagnostic equipment
• Pass instruments during surgery, anticipating surgeon needs based on the operative procedure
• Assist with patient positioning, skin preparation, exposure, retraction, suctioning, and hemostasis
• Assist in closing body planes and skin, including cutting suture and applying staples after skin approximation
• Prepare surgical specimens for laboratory delivery according to policy
• Remove used instruments and supplies from the operating room and dispose of hazardous items per protocol
• Clean instruments and return them to Sterile Processing as needed
• Communicate any changes in physician preferences to the service-specific team leader
• Report physician concerns to the Unit Manager
• Participate in laser safety duties including supervising laser usage, acting as liaison with the Laser Safety Officer, troubleshooting equipment, monitoring compliance, and providing staff education
• Maintain knowledge of hospital safety codes and perform duties in drills and actual emergencies
• Attend department meetings, morning huddles, and in-service classes
• Participate in staff orientation, teaching, and evaluation
• Maintain accurate inventory levels and utilize supplies cost-effectively
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of PACS and identify patient files as requested by physicians
• Comply with all hospital policies, attendance requirements, and dress code standards
• Maintain confidentiality of patient and departmental information
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives
• Follow North Oaks Health System's Compliance Programs and all federal and state regulatory guidelines

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
• Current Louisiana RN license
• BLS certification

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous operating room experience
• ACLS certification
• AORN membership

Schedule

• Full-time position
• 6:30 PM to 7:00 AM shift
• Wednesday through Tuesday schedule
• 7 days on/7 days off rotation
• No on-call requirements

Physical Requirements

• Medium strength required
• Frequent pushing and pulling
• Frequent carrying
• Frequent sitting and standing
• Frequent walking
• Occasional lifting