Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse (RN)

Position Summary

The Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN) is responsible for providing safe, efficient, and compassionate perioperative nursing care to patients undergoing elective cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures in an outpatient surgical setting. The OR RN works closely with plastic surgeons, anesthesiology providers, surgical technologists, and the clinical team to ensure exceptional patient care, adherence to surgical safety standards, and a positive patient experience.

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, clinically competent, calm under pressure, and committed to maintaining the highest standards of patient safety, infection prevention, and professionalism.

Essential Responsibilities

Preoperative Care

• Review the patient's medical history, surgical plan, allergies, medications, and required preoperative documentation.

• Complete preoperative nursing assessments and identify potential patient safety concerns.

• Verify informed consent, procedure, surgical site, and required documentation in accordance with facility policy.

• Prepare patients physically and emotionally for surgery while providing clear, compassionate education.

• Establish IV access and administer medications and fluids as ordered.

• Communicate relevant patient information and concerns to the surgeon and anesthesia team.

• Ensure the operating room is appropriately prepared for the scheduled procedure.

Intraoperative Care

• Function as a circulating nurse and/or scrub nurse as qualified and assigned.

• Maintain strict adherence to sterile technique and infection-prevention standards.

• Assist with positioning, prepping, draping, and other aspects of surgical preparation.

• Perform surgical counts according to facility policy.

• Ensure appropriate availability and functioning of surgical instruments, equipment, implants, medications, and supplies.

• Monitor and document patient care throughout the procedure.

Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and surgical team while maintaining patient safety as the highest priority.

• Participate in surgical time-outs and other required patient-safety protocols.

• Respond appropriately to changes in the patient's condition and initiate emergency procedures when necessary.

Postoperative Care / PACU Recovery

• Assume responsibility for the patient's care during the immediate postoperative recovery period following surgery.

• Monitor vital signs, level of consciousness, oxygenation, pain, and overall recovery in accordance with facility protocols and applicable PACU standards.

• Administer medications, IV fluids, oxygen, and other treatments as ordered.

• Assess and manage postoperative pain, nausea, and other common postoperative symptoms.

• Monitor surgical sites, dressings, drains, and other postoperative devices for bleeding or other complications.

• Recognize changes in the patient's condition and promptly communicate concerns to the surgeon and anesthesia provider.

• Maintain appropriate documentation of the patient's recovery and response to treatment.

• Determine readiness for discharge in accordance with established facility criteria and provider orders.

• Provide comprehensive postoperative education to the patient and responsible adult regarding medications, wound care, activity restrictions, diet, signs and symptoms requiring medical attention, and follow-up instructions.

• Verify that the patient has met all discharge criteria and is safely discharged into the care of a responsible adult when applicable.

• Provide patients and caregivers with appropriate contact information and instructions for addressing postoperative concerns or emergencies.

• Maintain responsibility for patient safety, comfort, dignity, and privacy throughout the entire perioperative experience, from preoperative admission through discharge.

Cosmetic Surgery Responsibilities

• Develop familiarity with common elective cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures performed at the center.

• Prepare procedure-specific instruments, supplies, medications, and equipment.

• Maintain a high level of attention to detail when handling implants, specimens, surgical devices, and specialty equipment.

• Provide professional, nonjudgmental care to patients undergoing elective aesthetic procedures.

• Maintain strict confidentiality and discretion regarding patients and their procedures.

• Support an exceptional patient experience while maintaining appropriate clinical boundaries and professional standards.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Follow all facility policies, procedures, infection-control standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.

Participate in quality-improvement and patient-safety initiatives.

• Maintain competency in emergency response, including recognition and management of perioperative complications.

• Maintain current required certifications and competencies.

• Report safety concerns, incidents, equipment issues, and other clinical concerns promptly.

• Assist with maintaining a clean, organized, and properly stocked operating room environment.

Qualifications

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the states of Tennessee and Georgia.

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.

• Current BLS and ACLS certification required.

• Minimum of 2 years of nursing experience preferred.

• Experience in the ICU, plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, ambulatory surgery, or an outpatient surgical center preferred.

• Strong knowledge of sterile technique, surgical procedures, and perioperative nursing practices.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.

• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and exercise sound clinical judgment.

Preferred Experience

• ICU or surgery experience.

• Experience with electronic medical records and perioperative documentation systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during surgical procedures.

• Ability to lift, position, and transfer patients safely with appropriate assistance.

• Ability to move and handle surgical equipment and supplies.

• Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations.

• Ability to maintain concentration and attention to detail throughout surgical procedures.

Core Competencies

• Patient Safety

• Clinical Judgment

• Sterile Technique

• Surgical Teamwork

• Attention to Detail

• Infection Prevention

• Communication

• Professionalism

• Compassionate Patient Care

• Organization and Time Management

• Emergency Preparedness

Confidentiality and Discretion

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation

• Health, dental, and vision benefits

• Paid time off

• Retirement plan

• Employee cosmetic procedure benefits

• No nights / weekends / holidays, if applicable

• Supportive, professional surgical environment

• Opportunity to work alongside an experienced cosmetic surgery team

Equal Opportunity Statement

Southern Surgical Arts is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a professional, respectful, and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, and business needs without regard to legally protected characteristics.