Registered Nurse - Peri Operative - Circulating/ instrument Nurse

NSW Health; Cessnock; On-site; AUD 57,000 - 80,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

No night shifts or weekends

4 weeks annual leave (pro-rated)

Paid parental leave

Salary packaging options

Professional development opportunities

Fitness Passport

Job summary

Hunter New England Health in Cessnock District Hospital is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse in Perioperative Services to fulfil circulating and instrument roles, supporting surgeons and the theatre team to deliver safe, high-quality surgical care. Your work spans multiple specialties in a collaborative environment.

You will join a close-knit perioperative team with a Monday–Friday roster, no night shifts, weekends, or on-call duties.

Qualifications

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA.
• Recent Circulating and Instrument Nurse experience in a theatre.
• Experience across gynaecology, urology, general surgery, endoscopy and/or dental procedures.
• Knowledge of perioperative nursing, aseptic technique and infection prevention.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills in a small theatre team.
• Ability to prioritise in a fast-paced surgical environment.

Responsibilities

• Undertake circulating and instrument nursing duties across procedures.
• Prepare and maintain operating theatre, equipment and instrumentation.
• Assist surgeons and anaesthetic team during procedures.
• Maintain infection prevention and patient safety standards.
• Monitor patient care and advocate for patients perioperatively.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary team to support theatre operations.

Skills

Registered Nurse registration

Circulating nurse experience

Instrument nurse experience

Perioperative knowledge

Infection prevention

Teamwork and communication

Job description

Registered Nurse - Peri Operative - Circulating/ instrument Nurse

Employment Type:PermanentPart Time
Position Classification:Registered Nurse
Remuneration:$41.22 - $57.88 per hour + 12% Superannuation + Salary Packaging
Hours Per Week:12
Requisition ID:REQ705991
Location: Cessnock District Hospital
Closing Date: Wednesday 25th November 2026

About the opportunity

Join the close-knit perioperative team at Cessnock Hospital and play an important role in delivering safe, high-quality surgical care to patients across the Hunter Valley.
Working within a small and supportive theatre team, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to a variety of surgical specialties, including gynaecology, urology, general surgery, endoscopy and dental procedures.
This is a great opportunity for an experienced Circulating/Instrument Nurse looking to join a collaborative team, broaden their clinical experience and enjoy a more predictable work-life balance.

What you will be doing

As a Registered Nurse in Perioperative Services, you'll work as both a Circulating and Instrument Nurse, supporting surgeons and the wider theatre team to ensure safe and efficient surgical procedures.
Your responsibilities will include:

• Undertaking circulating and instrument nursing duties across a range of surgical procedures.
• Preparing and maintaining the operating theatre, equipment and instrumentation.
• Assisting surgeons and the anaesthetic team throughout procedures.
• Maintaining strict infection prevention, aseptic technique and patient safety standards.
• Monitoring patient care and advocating for patients throughout their perioperative journey.
• Working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to support efficient theatre operations.

You’ll report to the Nurse Unit Manager and work closely with the Team Leader and Health Service Manager.
You’ll be supported through supernumerary orientation days, access to Clinical Nurse Educators (CNEs) and ongoing guidance from both hospital-based and District Clinical Nurse Educators.

About you

We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Registered Nurse who is confident in the perioperative environment and enjoys working as part of a small, supportive team.
To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Current registration as a Registered Nurse with AHPRA.
• Recent experience working as a Circulating and Instrument Nurse in an operating theatre.
• Demonstrated experience across relevant surgical specialties, ideally including gynaecology, urology, general surgery, endoscopy and/or dental procedures.
• Sound knowledge of perioperative nursing practices, infection prevention and aseptic technique.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively in a small theatre team.
• The ability to prioritise, adapt and respond confidently in a fast paced surgical environment.

What we can offer

• Monday to Friday roster – enjoy your weekends!
• No night shifts, weekends or on-call requirements.
• A supportive and close-knit perioperative team.
• Supernumerary orientation and access to ongoing education and development.
• The exciting opportunity to be part of Cessnock Hospital as it looks towards its new hospital development.
• Opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development
• Sustainable Healthcare: Together towards zero
• 4 weeks annual leave (pro-rated for part time employees)
• Paid parental leave (for eligible employees) - giving you the opportunity for true Worklife 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

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 part‑time vacancies.

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.

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***************@health.nsw.gov.au for confidential support.

Information for Applicants:

Applicants will be assessed against the essential requirements and selection criteria contained within the position description (link below). For assistance addressing selection criteria visit: https://bit.ly/3vL5fq2

Stepping Up Website is a resource designed to help indigenous job applicants apply for positions in NSW Health. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/HNEHealthSteppingUp

This is a Category A position. Recommended applicants will be reviewed for compliance with NSW Health policy directive PD2024_015: Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination against Specified Infectious Diseases for Category A positions prior to offer. All new employees must agree to comply with the requirements outlined in the policy.

Salary Packaging: is beneficial to most Hunter New England Health employees and may increase your take‑home pay! Salary package a range of personal expenses including novated motor vehicle leases, relocation expenses, and HECS/HELP debt. Find out more by contacting SalaryPackagingPLUS! via *********@salarypackagingplus.com.au or 1300 40 25 23.

Hunter New England Health employees may be eligible for a range of benefits such as allocated days off (ADO) for full time employees, long service leave, paid maternity leave, and salary packaging options including meal expenses.