Job Summary:
The Operating Room RN is responsible for managing all nursing care within the operating room, observing the surgical team from a broad perspective, and assisting the team to create and maintain a safe, comfortable environment for the patient's surgery. The circulating nurse ensures that all members of the surgical team perform in a united effort. During surgery, most patients are anesthetized or sedated and are powerless to make decisions on their own behalf. By employing critical thinking, assessment, diagnosing, outcome identification, planning, and evaluation skills, RN circulators direct the nursing care and coordinate activities of the surgical team for the benefit of the patient, whose protective reflexes or self-care abilities are compromised by the procedure. These critical nursing functions of the RN circulator are not delegable in the operating room.

Hours:

• Per Diem

Essential Job Functions:
* Plans and directs all nursing care for patients undergoing operative and other invasive procedures
* Provides high quality nursing care through patient assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation
* The circulating RN is an advocate for the patient's safety during surgery
* The circulating RN serves the well-being of the patient as well as the success of the surgical team by performing as the active observer, vigilantly watching for any unforeseen or unintended event that might compromise the patient during the surgery
* The RN's knowledge, observation, and assessment skills, combined with the ability to anticipate needs, are invaluable to the successful performance of the operating room and are crucial components of the coordinated decision-making process that defends the patient's well-being throughout the procedure
* The RN exhibits accuracy in recording, interpreting, and responding to a continuous stream of data and serves as the guardian of the patient's well-being by utilizing critical thinking skills
* Performs a surgical site identification and surgical time-out on every patient
* Prepares, administers, and records prescribed medications
* Responds to life-saving situations based upon nursing standards and protocol
* Records all care information concisely, accurately, and completely, in a timely manner in the appropriate format and on the appropriate forms
* Preps the operating room for the procedure
* Assists in positioning and responding to the comfort and safety of the patient
* Provides for accurate care and handling of specimens
* Observes and enforces strict standards of asepsis
* Observes, checks, and monitors all equipment used during surgery to confirm that they are running smoothly and removes any malfunctioning equipment from service and reports it in the appropriate manner
* Inventories all items both pre and post- surgery
* Reports all occurrences in a timely manner
* Regular and prompt work-site attendance
* Performs other duties as they are assigned

Qualifications, Knowledge & Ability:
* Demonstrates eligibility for employment in the U.S.
* Current RN licensure in the State of Wisconsin
* BLS certification is required upon hire
* Must be able to achieve ACLS and PALS certification within six months of hire
* Ability to relate and work effectively with others
* Demonstrated skills in verbal and written English communications for safe and effective patient care and to meet documentation standards
* Willingness to participate in goal-setting and educational activities for own professional advancement
* Previous operating room experience is preferred
* Is aware of professional nursing standards and performs in accordance with them