RN Circulator- OSC-Full Time, Day Shift

The following information is designed to outline the functions and position requirements of this job. It does not identify all tasks that may be expected, nor address the performance standards that must be maintained. Job functions may change based on organizational needs. 

General Position Summary:

The circulating RN is key for the surgeon. The position holds a very high responsibility role for the operating room. The circulator choreographs the actions of the surgeon, the anesthesia provider, and the scrub personnel into a coherent and harmonious dance. Circulators control the flow of the room from set-up to the end of surgery.

Essential Functions / Major Responsibilities:

• Maintains knowledge of developmental needs and nursing care encompassing all age groups.
• Assesses, plans and implements direct nursing care of the operative patient in accordance with nursing standards. Identifies problems and any needs for improvement.
• Maintains and completes total and accurate documentation on all appropriate nursing records.
• Ensures safe and clean environment for patients' well-being and privacy. Conforms to operating room dress code. Diligently practices and monitors aseptic technique.
• Provides direction and guidance of nursing service personnel. Delegates responsibilities to scrub technician and/or other operating room personnel if within their capabilities.
• Develops and promotes effective, harmonious, favorable and efficient working relationships within nursing care team and other departments.
• Assists in problem-solving and participates in implementing solutions in collaboration with the Charge Nurse and Outpatient Surgical Center Administrator.
• Assumes responsibility for preparation, labeling, and disposition of specimens.
• Remains knowledgeable as to the location, par level, and quantity of supplies and equipment in the operating room.
• Reports any equipment failure and/or any supply shortage to the .NCL.
• Responsible for checking and maintaining equipment and supply inventory in specialty area(s) designated or assigned by .NCL or Director.
• Responsible for maintaining BLS, ACLS, & PALS Certifications.
• Assists anesthesiologist/anesthetist during pre, intra and post induction of anesthesia.
• Conducts sponge, needle and instrument counts according to operating room policies and procedures.
• Surgically preps patients according to surgeon's preferences.
• Anticipates the needs of the patient, scrubbed surgical team and anesthesia provider, and takes appropriate action.
• Safely transports patient from the operating room to the PACU with the anesthesia provider.
• Assists with clean-up of operating room and preparation for the next case.
• Assists with reprocessing supplies and instruments.
• Documents all charges as indicated.
• Reports any unusual occurrences and/or incidents to the CNL or Manager and fills out appropriate forms.
• Is available for operating room call on a rotating basis.
• Responsible for restocking supply in OR rooms and core, maintaining par levels of supplies in drawers, and restocking specimen containers and gloves in each OR room assigned.
• May assist PACU nurse in call situations where another nurse is needed for conscious sedation. Completes annual review for conscious sedation.
• May circulate in Special Procedure Rooms.

·         Assist PAS department as needed. Pre-assessment of patients coming in for surgery at a future date – either via telephone or in person.

·         Work in Pre-op/Pacu as needed.

• Displays proper etiquette and mannerisms that reflect the SHINE Behavior Guidelines.
• Promotes the Patient Safety Standards as a core value of the organization.

Secondary Functions:

·         Participates in 80% departmental meetings and in services, including staff meetings, association wide forums, and seminars.

·         Reviews department policies and procedures annually.

·         All other duties as assigned.

Job Scope:

·         Recurring work situations with occasional variations from the norm.

·         May assist other nursing units within scope of training.

·         A moderate to high level of complexity.

·         Operation from established and well-known procedures.

·         Performance of duties under moderate supervision.

Supervisory Responsibility:

·         None.

Specific Job Skills & Mental Activities:

This position requires general nursing skills and knowledge of general office equipment (including the nurse call system, telephone system, fax machine, copy machine, computer, and commonly used hospital programs) as well as excellent computer, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, leadership, supervisory, interpersonal skills, basic math skills, and be able to exercise independent judgment skills when necessary.

This position also requires knowledge of hospital equipment and programs, including all Hospital Information Systems and department specific equipment.

This position requires self-direction and self-motivation.

Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

Education, Licensures, and/or Experience:

1.      Graduate from and Accredited School of Nursing

2.      Current AZ RN license

3.      BLS certification (required within 30 days of hire date)

4.      ACLS certification (required within 6 months of hire date)

5.      PALS certification (required within 6 months of hire date)

6.      CNOR (preferred)

7.      2 years OR circulating experience (required)

Physical Demands & Job Conditions:

Exert up to 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. The worker is subject to on-call status, contact with chemicals, contact with infectious fluids, heavy lifting, constant standing, and encounters with upset/disturbed individuals.

Physical motions include finger dexterity, standing, walking, stooping, crawling, talking, reaching, feeling, sitting, bending, kneeling, climbing, grasping, listening/hearing, handling, lifting up to 50-100 pounds with assistance, and repetitive motions of the hands, wrists, and feet.

This is considered a safety sensitive position.

OSHA Exposure Category:

Involves exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues.