OR Circulator - RN - Full-Time - AVALA Hospital RH511

AVALA•Covington, LA

About The Position

The OR Circulator monitors procedures in operating rooms during surgery and acts as an intermediary between operating room staff and the rest of the hospital. The role is responsible for patient preparation and assessment, maintaining aseptic technique, verifying patient and procedure information, and supporting patient safety, comfort, and care throughout the surgical process. The circulator documents care and charges, prepares supplies and equipment, supports room turnover and inventory, and communicates with surgeons, anesthesia, and other staff. The position may also include Charge Nurse responsibilities, including coordinating operating room staff and assignments, supplies, breaks, and timely procedure flow. The employee must meet professional and regulatory requirements, maintain patient confidentiality, complete ongoing education and department competencies, and support quality improvement and staff development. Advanced Orthopedic and Spine Certification requirements include initial and annual program-specific education, adaptability to current best practices and protocols, and completion of orientation and department-specific competencies within 90 days of hire or signing the job description.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
Current Registered Nurse license in the state of Louisiana.
Current BLS certification.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
Basic computer knowledge.
Complete Advanced Orthopedic and Spine Certification orientation and department-specific competencies within 90 days of hire or, if currently employed, within 90 days of signing the job description.
Complete at least four hours of education specific to the Advanced Orthopedic and Spine Certification Program scope initially and at least annually thereafter.
Demonstrate adaptability to current best practices, collaboration between departments, compliance with protocols and processes, communication, cooperation, and exceptional customer service.

Responsibilities

Prepare patients for surgery using aseptic technique; verify patient identity, date of birth, NPO status, procedure, and allergies; and perform Time Out.
Assess patients’ physical and mental status, review medical and surgical history, determine nursing needs, explain procedures to reduce anxiety, and notify the surgeon or anesthesiologist of pertinent findings.
Review medical records and consent forms for completeness and accuracy, verify the history and physical, and review the handoff form before transporting patients to the operating room.
Document accurately on the OR and implant records, assist with electronic medical record documentation, and complete a patient-specific care plan.
Support timely operating room turnover, assist with room cleaning, maintain an organized work area, and prepare supplies and equipment for upcoming cases.
Ensure patient safety and comfort during transport and positioning; use side rails, warm blankets, locked wheels, safety straps, positioning aids, and sequential compression devices as appropriate.
Apply the return electrode correctly and document its condition post-operatively.
Use and troubleshoot equipment, monitor the care environment for risks, report equipment malfunctions, and respond competently and calmly in emergencies.
Maintain preference cards, review and enter patient charges, confirm supplies used, verify outside-vendor supplies were pre-approved, maintain and order supplies, rotate stock, check expiration dates, and communicate supply needs.
Participate in hospital-wide inventory and the reprocessing program; assist with new staff orientation and other duties as assigned.
When performing Charge Nurse duties, coordinate staff and room assignments, ensure equipment and supplies are available, support timely starts and turnovers, coordinate breaks and lunches, and communicate with surgeons, anesthesia, and staff to maintain operational flow.
As Charge Nurse, monitor handling of supplies, ensure equipment and supplies are put away, support vendor and observer policies, keep the Director informed of operational matters, assist with problem solving, and support staff orientation and performance evaluations.
Meet dress code and training requirements, maintain regulatory compliance and confidentiality, attend required reviews and meetings, represent the organization professionally, and participate in performance improvement and continuous quality improvement.
Promote professional growth by sharing knowledge, learning new techniques and equipment, and assisting staff in duties that enhance patient care.