Registered Nurse - Operating Room

SUMMARY

The HCW shall provide support services by maintaining comprehensive knowledge and skills in professional nursing care, addressing the needs of critically ill patients. They will assist pain management physicians with procedures, conduct perioperative screenings, and manage pain clinic templates, equipment, and supplies. Additionally, they will ensure compliance with safety and infection control standards, provide effective communication and collaboration within the healthcare team, administer medications and treatments, and maintain accurate documentation. The HCW will also coordinate patient care to achieve optimal outcomes and participate in the orientation, training, and ongoing education of new personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS

Current, active, full, and unrestricted license to practice nursing in accordance with State Board requirements. Nurse applicants shall a current U.S. Registered Nurse. License cannot be under investigation nor have any adverse action pending from a Nursing State Board or national licensing/certification agency.

EDUCATION

Graduation from an accredited school of nursing acceptable to the Surgeon General, HQ USAF is mandatory.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT

• Provides professional nursing care to patients undergoing surgery.
• Prepares operating room and circulates for surgical procedures within multiple specialties (e.g., orthopedics, general surgery, podiatry).
• Uses a checklist to monitor operating room and equipment for safety.
• Assembles material and special equipment for daily procedures and emergencies.
• Responds to surgical emergencies (e.g., cardiac, pulmonary, respiratory failure, hemorrhage).
• Maintains open communication interdepartmentally and intradepartmentally.
• Conducts preoperative and postoperative visits.
• Discusses operative procedures and what to expect during surgery with patients.
• Consults with the operating surgeon and establishes care priorities.
• Coordinates with other hospital units on patient progress and needs.
• Directs and instructs personnel in preparing, sterilizing, and caring for operating room equipment and supplies.
• Maintains sterilization records and reports.
• Coordinates education programs to update knowledge and skills in decontamination and sterilization practices.
• Provides care based on assessed patient needs for the proposed procedure.
• Provides intraoperative nursing care for patients of all ages undergoing surgical intervention.
• Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates nursing care for all surgical patients, including diverse populations.

Participates and complies with quality and process improvement activities and events.

• Ensures compliance with standards of care and practice per national and local guidelines.
• Knowledge of various pharmacological agents used in treatment, their effects, and accurate administration.
• Knowledgeable of laboratory test values.
• Ensures all required credentials and training are up to date.
• Administers medications, electrolytes, fluids, blood, and blood products.
• Ensures a safe work environment and adheres to infection control and safety policies.
• Safely operates and monitors specialized therapeutic and resuscitative equipment.
• Effectively communicates and collaborates with healthcare team members and patients.
• Educates patients/family and uses appropriate communication formats.
• Performs accurate documentation.
• Proficient in computer operations, including word processing, data entry, and medical records.
• Synthesizes data from various sources to make clinical decisions.
• Coordinates patient care to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Recognizes and responds to medical emergencies.
• Initiates CPR and assists with advanced cardiac life support when needed.
• Participates in orientation and training of newly assigned personnel.
• Participates in committees, functions, and other meetings.
• Provides relevant information for decision-making and process improvement.
• Engages in customer service initiatives and medical readiness activities.
• Completes orientation and competency verification programs per unit guidelines.