Perioperative Nurse Training Program - Operating Room (OR), UofL Hospital, March 1st, 2027 cohort start date

UofL Health•Louisville, KY

5d•Onsite

About The Position

This paid educational program is for registered nurses interested in a career in Surgical Services. The structured six-month Perioperative Nursing Course combines an evidence-based online curriculum, textbook readings, hands-on skills labs, and a clinical practicum. Participants work alongside an Operating Room staff nurse preceptor and receive peer support, nurturing, and continuous feedback. The training program requires full-time work on 8-hour days. After successfully completing the program, participants will be offered a full-time position. Most positions are usually on first shift, although other shifts may be available according to departmental needs. OR surgical nurses participate in weekend and holiday rotations and are required to take call. The position provides nursing care under the supervision of a clinical nurse manager. Responsibilities include assessing patients across the care continuum, administering and evaluating medications, planning and implementing individualized care, providing patient and family education, evaluating outcomes, advocating for patients, and collaborating with the healthcare team. The role also includes professional development, compliance with organizational and regulatory standards, and other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Registered Nurse; the program is open to external and internal RNs, including experienced nurses and new graduates.
Demonstrated genuine desire to enter the surgical nursing field.
Complete at least a four-hour shadowing experience in surgery before acceptance into the program.
External candidates with an ASN must be willing to enroll in a BSN program within one year and complete it within five years.
Internal candidates with a current BSN commitment must continue their degree path.
Participation in the training program requires full-time work on 8-hour days.
OR surgical nurses are required to participate in weekend and holiday rotations and take call.
A Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) license from the NCSBN is accepted in lieu of a Kentucky Nursing License, per the KBN.

Responsibilities

Conduct systematic, continuous, and comprehensive assessments of patient health status from admission or encounter through discharge, collaborating with the healthcare team, patient, and family to promote safety and prevent adverse outcomes.
Administer medications within licensure authority, assess and reassess their effects, and document administration in accordance with policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Plan individualized patient care with patients and families using current scientific knowledge, care standards, patient safety goals, and input from the multidisciplinary team.
Identify and prioritize patient problems based on assessment data, safety considerations, patient and family goals and preferences, nursing interventions, and the medical plan of care.
Implement nursing interventions and demonstrate competent skills and clinical judgment to promote patient safety and achieve planned outcomes.
Assess, conduct, and evaluate patient and family teaching, with sensitivity to age, learning needs, and cultural background.
Review patient and family responses to interventions, revise care plans collaboratively, and address care variances or potential adverse events.
Advocate for patients and families, respect their rights and preferences, prepare them for discharge, and obtain feedback to support positive patient satisfaction.
Collaborate with and appropriately monitor and delegate work to unlicensed assistive healthcare providers in accordance with regulatory and legal requirements.
Maintain professional conduct and appearance and remain accountable for actions and outcomes.
Orient new healthcare team members and supervise students performing assigned duties.
May serve as relief charge nurse when unit needs arise.
Maintain professional competency through continuing education, competency demonstration, licensure, and professional activities.
Participate in evidence-based practice activities and use care outcomes and indicators to improve care delivery.
Communicate constructively as a collaborative healthcare team member, address clinical and interdepartmental problems, resolve conflicts appropriately, and give and receive peer feedback.
Perform duties cost-effectively while avoiding waste without jeopardizing care quality or service.
Comply with company policies, procedures, standards of conduct, and HIPAA privacy and security requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.