Job Summary
The Operating Room Nurse provides safe, high-quality nursing care to patients before, during, and immediately after surgical procedures. The nurse collaborates with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure patient safety, maintain a sterile environment, and support efficient surgical operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess patients before surgery and verify patient identity, consent, surgical site, and procedure.
- Prepare the operating room, surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies.
- Perform circulating or scrub nurse duties according to competency and departmental requirements.
- Maintain strict aseptic technique and sterile field throughout surgical procedures.
- Assist the surgical team during procedures and anticipate the needs of surgeons.
- Perform surgical counts of sponges, needles, and instruments according to hospital policy.
- Monitor patient safety and promptly report any changes or concerns.
- Collaborate with the anesthesia team and assist with patient positioning and safe transfers.
- Ensure proper handling, labeling, and documentation of surgical specimens.
- Complete accurate nursing documentation and perioperative checklists.
- Follow infection prevention, sterilization, and occupational safety protocols.
- Participate in emergency response, quality improvement, and patient safety activities.
- Provide appropriate handover to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) or receiving department.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in Nursing from a recognized institution.
- Valid professional nursing license and eligibility for the relevant local licensing requirements.
- Previous operating room or perioperative nursing experience preferred.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; additional certifications as required by the facility.
- Knowledge of surgical asepsis, infection prevention, patient safety, and perioperative procedures.
- Strong communication, teamwork, organizational, and critical-thinking skills.
Core Competencies
- Scrub and circulating nursing skills.
- Surgical instrumentation and equipment handling.
- Aseptic technique and infection control.
- Patient assessment and perioperative care.
- Emergency management and clinical decision-making.
- Accurate documentation and multidisciplinary collaboration.
