Position Overview
RNs working in the operating room (OR) assist doctors and surgeons in the operating room and monitor patients' vital signs during surgery. They work alongside surgical teams to ensure that patients receive the best possible care and serve as liaisons between the surgical team and the patients' families.
Primary Responsibilities:
Pre-Operative Care:
Assess patients before surgery, coordinate surgical care, and maintain a sterile operating room
Prepare patients for surgery including positioning and prepping surgical sites
Verify patient identification, surgical site, and informed consent
Start IVs and administer pre-operative medications
Intraoperative Duties:
Monitor patients' vital signs during surgical procedures
Maintain sterile environment and infection control protocols
Assist surgeons with instruments and supplies as needed
Document surgical procedures and patient responses
Coordinate responses in emergency situations
Post-Operative Care:
Monitor patients during recovery from anesthesia
Assess patient condition and vital signs post-surgery
Provide patient and family education regarding recovery
OR Nursing Roles: Travel OR nurses may specialize in different roles:
Circulating Nurse:
Works outside the sterile field
Serves as patient advocate during surgery
Manages all nursing care within the OR
Oversees blood transfusions and monitors equipment
Performs instrument and sponge counts
Scrub Nurse:
Works within the sterile field
Sets up surgical instruments and equipment
Passes instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures
Maintains sterile technique throughout surgery
OR First Assistant (RNFA):
Advanced role requiring additional certification
Provides direct surgical assistance to surgeons
May handle tissue, provide hemostasis, and suture
Required Qualifications:
Current RN license
Previous bedside experience
BLS (Basic Life Support) certification required
ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification preferred
Previous OR experience strongly preferred
Preferred Certifications:
Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
Certified Foundational Perioperative Nurse (CFPN)
Certified Ambulatory Surgery Nurse (CNAMB)
Shift Details
Several opportunities available - Day & Night shifts
Opportunities available across NM
Competitive pay rate
Housing stipend
Meals & Incidentals stipend