Join Our Surgical Services Team as an OR Circulating Registered Nurse with PACU Responsibilities
Cottage Hospital is seeking a compassionate and experienced Registered Nurse to join our Surgical Services team as an Operating Room (OR) Circulating RN with PACU responsibilities.
This unique role provides the opportunity to care for patients throughout the perioperative continuum, including preoperative assessment, intraoperative circulating responsibilities, and post-anesthesia recovery care. As a critical member of the surgical team, you will serve as the patient's advocate, coordinate care among surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, and nursing staff, and help ensure a safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical experience.
In the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), you will assess and monitor patients recovering from anesthesia, manage pain and postoperative symptoms, provide patient and family education, and collaborate closely with surgeons and anesthesia providers to support safe recovery and discharge.
If you are passionate about patient safety, teamwork, and delivering exceptional surgical care, we encourage you to apply.
Operating Room Responsibilities
Perform preoperative patient assessments and verify patient identification, procedure, consent, and surgical site
Coordinate surgical procedures and communicate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and surgical technologists
Advocate for patients and promote safety throughout the surgical experience
Ensure compliance with Universal Protocol and conduct surgical time-outs
Assist with patient positioning and prevention of pressure injuries
Monitor sterile technique and maintain a safe surgical environment
Manage specimens, implants, medications, and surgical documentation
Complete accurate electronic medical record documentation
Participate in emergency response and quality improvement activities
PACU Responsibilities
Receive and assess patients upon arrival from the operating room
Monitor airway, breathing, circulation, neurological status, pain, and vital signs
Administer medications and treatments as ordered
Recognize and respond to postoperative complications and emergencies
Assess and manage pain, nausea, and comfort measures
Monitor surgical sites, drains, dressings, and IV therapy
Provide patient and family education regarding recovery and discharge instructions
Collaborate with anesthesia providers and surgeons regarding patient status
Document recovery assessments, interventions, and patient outcomes
Determine readiness for discharge according to established criteria and policies
Graduate of an accredited nursing program
Current New Hampshire Registered Nurse license
Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications required
CNOR certification preferred
Previous perioperative and/or PACU experience preferred
Supportive and collaborative perioperative team
Opportunity to practice across both OR and PACU settings
Meaningful impact in a rural healthcare community
Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
Professional growth and development opportunities
On-call opportunities, including nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned
Cottage Hospital — where you can learn, grow, and give back.