Registered Nurse - Peri Operative - Circulating/ instrument Nurse

Medical Jobs Australia; Cessnock; On-site; AUD 82,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Ongoing learning

4 weeks annual leave

Parental leave

Salary packaging

Novated leasing

Fitness Passport

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Hunter New England Health in Cessnock is seeking a Perioperative Registered Nurse with Scrub-Scout experience to support circulating and instrument roles across the surgical journey.

You will work with surgeons, anaesthetists and the perioperative team to deliver safe patient care, maintain theatre readiness and uphold infection prevention standards.

Qualifications

• RN with Scrub-Scout experience in a perioperative setting
• Strong clinical judgement and ability to prioritise in a fast-paced environment
• Solid knowledge of perioperative nursing practice and infection prevention

Responsibilities

• Work as a Scrub-Scout RN, including circulating and instrument roles
• Provide safe, high-quality nursing care throughout the perioperative journey
• Prepare and maintain operating theatre, equipment and instrumentation
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary perioperative team to support safe theatre operations
• Anticipate needs of the surgical team and respond to changing clinical situations
• Maintain infection prevention and patient safety standards
• Complete surgical counts and documentation accurately
• Advocate for patients and maintain dignity and privacy throughout perioperative care
• Contribute to a positive team environment through communication and collaboration
• Engage in ongoing education and professional development

Skills

Scrub-Scout

Clinical judgement

Infection prevention

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Registered Nurse (AHPRA)

Job description

Employment Type: Permanent Full Time Position
Classification: Registered Nurse
Remuneration: $81,748.17 - $114,771.98 per annum + 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week: 38
Requisition ID: REQ696107
Located in: Cessnock Hospital
Closing Date: Monday 12th October 2026

Where You’ll Be Working

Cessnock District Hospital is located in a vibrant regional town surrounded by renowned vineyards, award-winning dining and beautiful countryside in the heart of the Hunter Valley. The hospital provides emergency, surgical and general medical services to a rapidly growing community and is undergoing a major redevelopment that will transform local healthcare. This is an exciting time to join Cessnock District Hospital as services continue to grow and evolve, creating opportunities to contribute to the delivery of high-quality care within a developing healthcare environment.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking a skilled and confident Registered Nurse with Scrub-Scout experience to join our Peri Operative team at Cessnock District Hospital. As a Peri Operative Registered Nurse, you will work across circulating and instrument roles, providing safe, high-quality care throughout the surgical journey. You’ll work closely with surgeons, anaesthetists, anaesthetic staff and the wider multidisciplinary team to ensure procedures are delivered safely and efficiently. This is a dynamic environment where your perioperative knowledge, clinical judgement and ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team will be highly valued. You’ll play an important role in maintaining patient safety, supporting effective theatre workflows and ensuring every patient receives compassionate, person-centred care throughout their perioperative experience.

What You Will Be Doing

• Work as a Scrub-Scout Registered Nurse, including circulating and instrument roles.
• Provide safe, high-quality nursing care throughout the perioperative journey.
• Prepare and maintain the operating theatre, equipment and instrumentation for surgical procedures.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary perioperative team to support safe and efficient theatre operations.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgical team and respond confidently to changing clinical situations.
• Maintain strict adherence to infection prevention, aseptic technique and patient safety standards.
• Complete required surgical counts and documentation accurately.
• Advocate for patients and maintain their dignity, privacy and wellbeing throughout their perioperative experience.
• Contribute to a positive team environment through effective communication, collaboration and support.
• Participate in ongoing education, competency development and professional learning.

About You

We’re looking for a confident and experienced perioperative Registered Nurse who enjoys working as part of a collaborative theatre team.

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA.
• Demonstrated Scrub-Scout experience in a perioperative setting.
• Strong clinical judgement and the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound knowledge of perioperative nursing practice, infection prevention and patient safety.
• Strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• The ability to anticipate and respond to the needs of the surgical team.
• A compassionate and patient-focused approach to care.
• A commitment to ongoing learning, professional development and maintaining clinical competencies.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

What we can offer you

• Opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development
• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• Monthly Allocated Days Off (for full-time employees)
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees)
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Work-life balance
• Salary packaging options - up to $11,600 plus novated leasing
• Fitness Passport for health and well-being - discounted gym options for you and your family
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for staff and family members
• The Welcome Experience helps you and your family connect with local people and resources, making it easier to settle in and feel at home in your new community. Learn more at www.nsw.gov.au-welcomeexperience

Additional Information

To be eligible for permanent employment in this position you must be an Australian Citizen, or a permanent resident of Australia, or a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand Passport. Employment of a temporary visa holder may only occur if no suitable local candidate is identified for the position; in this instance, you may only be offered employment in line with the conditions and expiry date of your visa. We are unable to accommodate visa sponsorship for applicants requiring a visa for this position. An eligibility list will be created for future permanent full or part time and temporary full or part time vacancies.

Child Safe

Hunter New England Health is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health’s commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and well-being of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Inclusive Employer

At Hunter New England Local Health District, we are an inclusive employer dedicated to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. Our commitment to a workforce that reflects the community we care for is essential for delivering the highest quality healthcare to our community. We encourage people with diverse lived experiences to apply. If you require any accommodations or adjustments to the recruitment process please let us know when you apply or at any stage of the process. We will work with you to meet your needs and create the best possible experience. Please contact for confidential support.

For role related queries or questions contact Katharine Redhead on Information for Applicants: Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained in the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https:--bit.ly-3vL5fq2

Stepping Up Websiteis a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https:--bit.ly-HNEHealth