RN Circulator

Position Summary

The Registered Nurse (RN) Circulator is responsible for coordinating and overseeing multidisciplinary activities to ensure a safe, efficient, and patient-centered environment for individuals undergoing surgical procedures. The RN Circulator serves as a patient advocate throughout the perioperative process and ensures compliance with clinical, regulatory, and safety standards.

Reports To

Director of Nursing

Qualifications

• Minimum of one (1) year of perioperative nursing experience preferred.
• Thorough knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile technique, and aseptic practices.
• Working knowledge of the physiological and anatomical aspects of surgical interventions.
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state.
• Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to maintain composure and work effectively in a fast-paced surgical environment.
• Physical ability to perform direct and indirect patient care activities, including lifting up to 25 pounds and assisting with patient transfers and transportation when necessary.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

• Serve as the patient advocate in the Operating Room (OR).
• Promote patient safety throughout the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases of care.
• Maintain a safe, therapeutic, and sterile environment for patients and staff.
• Communicate effectively with physicians, anesthesia providers, surgical staff, patients, and family members regarding patient status and surgical progress.
• Coordinate equipment, instrumentation, and supply needs for surgical procedures.
• Accurately complete all required documentation, including nursing notes, surgical logs, and incident reports.
• Report all unusual incidents, injuries, safety concerns, or policy violations in accordance with center policies and procedures.
• Comply with all center policies, procedures, infection prevention standards, and regulatory requirements.

Pre-Operative Responsibilities

• Verify patient identity, surgical procedure, and informed consent documentation.
• Administer and manage medications as ordered by the physician or anesthesiologist.
• Ensure all surgical equipment is properly assembled, functional, and safe for use.
• Assist and direct surgical technicians in room and procedure preparation.
• Verify and document surgical counts according to policy.
• Reduce patient anxiety by providing education, reassurance, and perioperative support.
• Safely transport and position patients in the operating room.
• Remain with the patient during anesthesia induction and assist with patient positioning and safety measures, including:
  • Applying safety straps and positioning devices
  • Applying monitoring equipment per established procedures

Intra-Operative Responsibilities

• Anticipate the needs of the surgical team and provide appropriate supplies and equipment.
• Coordinate OR activities to ensure safe, efficient, and timely surgical procedures.
• Maintain patient safety, comfort, privacy, and dignity throughout the procedure.
• Monitor the sterile field and identify any breaks in aseptic technique.
• Maintain accurate sponge, sharps, and instrument counts and communicate discrepancies immediately.
• Handle and label specimens accurately and ensure proper transport according to protocol.
• Complete accurate intraoperative documentation in real time.
• Assist with all perioperative patient care activities as needed.

Post-Operative Responsibilities

• Assist anesthesia providers and surgical staff with patient recovery, including extubation, suctioning, and transfer to recovery areas.
• Provide detailed patient handoff communication to the Recovery Room/PACU nurse.
• Complete all postoperative documentation accurately and timely.
• Ensure all specimens are properly documented and transported.
• Assist with room turnover and preparation for upcoming procedures.
• Prepare equipment and supplies for future surgical cases.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe OR environment.
• Ensure oxygen and equipment are properly shut down at the end of the day.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, move, or assist in transferring patients and equipment as needed.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to monitor patient care and maintain safety standards.

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