Operating Room Registered Nurse

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides patient-centered care through the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This role is responsible for coordinating and delivering high-quality care based on established clinical protocols and physician/provider orders. The RN collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care and desired outcomes, while maintaining a supportive and compassionate environment for patients and their families.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates and delivers high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance

with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.

• Conducts thorough patient assessments and documents findings accurately,

reporting changes in condition to the appropriate care team members.

• Utilizes knowledge of human growth and development to provide age-appropriate

care and education.

• Administers prescribed medications, monitors for side effects, and documents

administration in accordance with standards of practice.

• Assists physicians during procedures within the scope of documented

competency and skill level.

• Collaborates with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate

individualized care plans based on patient assessments and needs.

• Responds to medical emergencies and participates in life-saving

interventions, such as CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.

• Advocates for the rights and needs of patients, ensuring their voices are

heard and respected in care planning and delivery.

• Provides patient and family education on medical conditions, treatment plans,

and post-discharge care, ensuring understanding and adherence to instructions.

• Implements and adheres to infection control protocols to prevent the spread

of healthcare-associated infections.

• Monitors and operates medical equipment (e.g., IV pumps, monitors,

ventilators) as needed for patient care and safety.

• Promotes patient safety by adhering to National Patient Safety Goals and

maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and staff.

• Participates in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks to ensure

adherence to standards of practice and regulatory requirements.

• Demonstrates responsible decision-making in planning, delegating, and

providing care based on patient needs and organizational policies.

• Documents patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical

record.

• Engages in professional development to maintain clinical competency and

understanding of current nursing standards and regulations.

• Participates in performance improvement initiatives, including data

collection and process development, to enhance patient outcomes and care delivery.

• Critical Care RN:
• Administers medications and other treatments as prescribed, including

intravenous medications and therapies.

• Manages complex medical equipment, including ventilators, monitoring

devices, and other life-support systems.

• Performs procedures such as inserting central lines, managing

tracheostomies, and providing advanced cardiac life support.

• Emergency Services RN:
• Rapid Assessment and Triage: Evaluate patients' conditions quickly to

determine the severity of their injuries or illnesses and prioritize care accordingly.

• Conducts emergency procedures such as intubation, wound care, and suturing.
• Implements interventions to stabilize patients, including administering

medications, starting IV lines, and providing respiratory support.

• OR Services RN:
• Provides comprehensive care to patients before, during, and after surgery,

including assessments, planning, and evaluation of nursing care.

• Scrubs in for surgeries, assisting the surgical team with instruments and

supplies, and ensuring a sterile environment.

• Monitors patient vital signs, administers medications, and observes for

changes in patient condition.

• Cardiac Surgery RN:
• Continuously assesses patients' condition, including vital signs,

hemodynamic parameters, and ECG readings.

• Administers medications and IV drips, adjusting dosages based on the

patient's condition.

• Proficient in operating and maintaining advanced life support equipment

like ventilators, intra-aortic balloon pumps, and ECMO.

• After cardiac surgeries, monitors patients' recovery, manage chest tubes,

pacing wires, and wound care.

• Endoscopy RN:
• Assesses patient needs, reviews medical history, explains procedures,

obtains consent, and prepares the patient for procedure.

• Monitors patient vitals, administers medications, and assists the physician

during procedure.

• Provides post-procedure care, monitors recovery, and educates patients

about aftercare instructions.

• Ensures the endoscopy room is properly prepared, instruments are

sterilized, and equipment is functioning correctly.

• Obstetrics/Labor and Delivery/Post Partum/Nursery RN:
• Educates patients about pregnancy, provides prenatal screenings, and

prepares patients for labor and delivery.

• Assesses and monitors the new mother's physical recovery, including vital

signs, postpartum hemorrhage, and potential complications like postpartum depression.

• Assists with epidurals and other pain management techniques during labor.
• Administers pain medication, induces labor, and manages other medication

needs during labor and delivery.

• Assists during labor and delivery, monitors fetal well-being, administers

medications, and provides pain relief. Monitors mothers and newborns after delivery, assessing their well-being, and providing education on postpartum care and breastfeeding.

• Assesses and monitors newborn health, taking vital signs, performing

routine assessments, and educating parents on newborn care.

• Assists with gynecological exams and procedures, and provides education on

reproductive health, contraception, and prenatal care.

• Educates patients about family planning, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth,

and postpartum care.

• Interprets fetal heart rate patterns and assesses fetal well-being using

electronic fetal monitoring.

• Oncology RN:
• Administers chemotherapy, manages side effects, monitors vitals, and

manages pain.

• Explains treatments, answers questions, and provides information on

resources.

• Provides emotional and psychological support to patients and their

families.

• Orthopedics RN:
• Provides specialized care for patients with musculoskeletal conditions,

injuries, and diseases.

• Provides care for Orthopedic patients encompassing pre-operative and

post-operative care.

• Conducts peripheral/vascular assessments.
• Treats patients with immobilization devices.
• Provides pain management.
• Provides patient education.
• PACU RN:
• Assesses the patient's level of consciousness and responsiveness as they

wake up from anesthesia.

• Evaluates pain levels and administers pain medications as prescribed.
• Observes any side effects of anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting,

shivering, or muscle aches.

• Monitors for and respond to any post-operative complications.
• Administers medications, including pain relievers and other post-operative

medications, as prescribed.

• Regulates intravenous (IV) fluids and monitor fluid balance.
• Checks and changes dressings on surgical wounds.
• Ensures a clear airway and provide oxygen support as needed.
• Educates patients and families about post-surgery care, potential

complications, and discharge instructions.

• NICU RN:
• Continuously assesses and monitors vital signs (heart rate, respiratory

rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation) and other signs of distress.

• Administers prescribed medications, intravenous fluids, and other

treatments, including respiratory support and oxygen therapy.

• Manages feeding needs, including tube, breast milk feeding support, and

ensuring adequate nutrition.

• Provides basic care tasks like diaper changes, bathing, and positioning.
• Performs procedures like inserting IV lines, administering medications, and

assisting with intubation or ventilation. Operates and adjusts specialized medical equipment used in the NICU.

• Telemetry RN:
• Using telemetry equipment to track heart rhythms (EKG), blood pressure,

oxygen saturation, and other vital signs.

• Analyzes telemetry data to identify trends, abnormalities, and potential

problems, and reports these findings to physicians.

• Provides direct patient care, including medication administration, wound

care, and patient education, with a focus on cardiac health.

• Recognizes and responds to emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, and

implements appropriate interventions.

• Dialysis RN:
• Sets up and operates dialysis machines, monitors patients before, during,

and after treatment, and adjusts treatment parameters as needed.

• Takes vital signs, monitors signs of complications, and responds to changes

in patient condition.

• Educates patients and families about kidney disease, dialysis procedures,

and the importance of adhering to treatment plans, diet, and medication.

• Inspects and maintains dialysis machines and equipment.
• Cath Lab RN:
• Pre-Procedure:
• Reviews medical history, assesses patient's overall health, and prepares

them for the procedure.

• Intravenous (IV) Line Initiation: Starts and maintains an IV line for

medication administration.

• Administers medications as prescribed by the physician.
• Educates patients and families about the procedure and what to expect.
• Verifies that surgical consents have been signed.

• During the Procedure:
• Assists the Cardiologist during the catheterization process.
• Closely monitors the patient's vital signs, hemodynamic data, and

sedation levels.

• Ensures proper functioning of equipment and supplies.
• Manages potential complications and responding to emergencies.

• Post-Procedure:
• Continues to monitor the patient's vital signs and overall condition

after the procedure.

• Administers post-procedure medications as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role or student clinical

rotations in an acute care setting required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of the nursing process and clinical nursing practices.
• Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings

effectively.

• Proficient in administering medications and monitoring for side effects.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with

interdisciplinary teams.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting patient

care.

• Knowledge of safety standards, infection control, and quality improvement

initiatives.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure

required

• BCLS - Basic Life Support required
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred
• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation preferred
• Refer to facility or unit-specific guidelines for additional requirements.