Operating Room Nurse Clinician III - Galveston

The University of Texas Medical Branch; Galveston (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

UTMB Health in Galveston, TX seeks an experienced RN for perioperative care within Nursing & Care Management. The role emphasizes operating room, ICU, and Cath Lab exposure, requires a Texas RN license and BLS, and supports high‑acuity surgical patients in a collaborative team.

The position focuses on patient safety, aseptic technique, and active participation in competency orientation and departmental initiatives to improve outcomes and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Two years of preferred clinical operating room, ICU, Cath Lab or other procedural experience.
• Current license or permit to practice in Texas and current BLS certification.

Responsibilities

• Provides safe and competent intraoperative patient care as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Maintains aseptic technique and operates specialized OR equipment.
• Completes competency orientation and participates in CCAP/CCAP-related activities.
• Performs and documents nursing assessments, care plans and procedures for surgical patients.
• Supports patient safety, efficiency, and department projects while maintaining professionalism.

Skills

Perioperative nursing

Critical thinking

Interdisciplinary teamwork

Patient advocacy

Education

RN license in Texas

Job description

REQUIRED EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

RN with two years of preferred clinical operating room, ICU, Cath Lab and other procedural

RN with two years of preferred clinical operating room, ICU, Cath Lab and other procedural areas RN experience. Must possess and maintain a current license or valid permit to practice in Texas. Current BLS required.

JOB SUMMARY

Competent Clinician. Possesses knowledge and skill to meet standards for competent professional nursing practice as specified in the Texas Nurse Practice Act. Experienced, knowledgeable and skilled in specialty area. Competently functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Experienced nurses transferring into the operating room must complete the operating room specific Competency Based Orientation (CBO) tool satisfactorily within the 6-month probationary period. Practice is characterized by predominantly interdependent and independent critical thinking decisions Practice is problem focused and patient centered in the manner care is provided. Provides safe and competent intraoperative patient care. Actively acquire knowledge and skills specific to patients undergoing a surgical procedure. Practice strong patient advocacy role and diligence in the preoperative review of documents and verification of surgical procedure, site and other critical safety checks prior to surgery. Safely circulate in emergent and urgent surgical cases and collaborate with physicians and other members of the surgical team during surgical time outs and debriefing procedures. Enforces aseptic and sterile techniques to all aspects of patient care. Effectively and safely operate highly specialize OR equipment Able to manage unexpected or emergency situations that are commonly seen in assigned specialty population. Serves as a resource for Nurse Clinician I or II. Can manage commonly seen contingency situations that arise on the clinical unit. Provides patient care through nursing practices based upon the American Nurses Association Standards of Practice, Nursing Process and UTMB’s three domains for competency and advancement: Professional Practice, Professional Performance and Performance Improvement.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Validates specialized perioperative nursing knowledge
• Indicates attainment of current perioperative nursing practice standards
• Consults and coordinates with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans
• Participate actively in our surgical time out and debriefing
• Ensures that operating on correct patient and the correct procedure is being performed
• Observes, checks and monitors all equipment used during surgery to confirm they are running smoothly
• Assist in positioning, responding to comfort/safety of patient
• Provides for accurate care, handling and documentation of surgical specimens
• Support the surgical technologist during the case effectively.
• Performs surgical counts (Initial, Closing and Final) and reconcile incorrect counts per policy
• Document accurately all surgical procedures, documentation, supplies and implants
• Participate actively and support departmental initiatives related to patient safety, efficiency, cost containment, staff and physician satisfaction, and other projects mandated by the department.
• Observes and enforces strict standards of asepsis
• Able to take call status and respond to the emergencies per policy, “stay days” and work long and unpredictable hours.
• Thrive and maintain collegiality and professionalism during high-stress situations.
• Actively invest and engage in improving or maintaining staff morale and satisfaction
• Completes required specialty specific Competency Based Orientation (CBO) tools by the initial performance evaluation due date for placement in employee file.
• Actively participates in the initial and ongoing evaluation of competency using competency based orientation (CBO) tools and/or Competency and Clinical Advancement Program (CCAP) tools.
• Independently and competently assists with activities for assigned area embodying UTMB’s core values.
• Independently and competently completes assesses patients and identifies actual and potential nursing diagnoses/patient care needs.
• Competently plans and prioritizes culturally, age and specialty appropriate care for the identified patient group.
• Independently and competently delivers culturally, age and specialty appropriate nursing care to the identified patient group.
• Performs and reports point of care testing (POCT).
• Provides and maintains a clean, safe environment and performs and/or assists others to perform proper aseptic technique, isolation procedures and infection control measures.
• Serves as a patient advocate; may require assistance in difficult situations.
• Develops and reports nursing plan of patient care and treatment.
• Utilizes nursing research and quality improvement to enhance evidence-based practice.
• Demonstrates acceptable productivity and practices cost containment for the practice and the patient.
• Competently and consistently completes accurate, concise and legible documentation on all patient, unit and hospital records including hands on care delivery and telephone patient related interactions.
• Competently utilizes electronic forms of communication and documentation.
• Implements effective patient/family teaching and accurately assesses readiness to learn.
• Identifies learning needs of self and others; sets challenging and realistic goals and develops learning opportunities to meet goals.
• Demonstrates compassion and understanding.
• Displays a professional verbal and non-verbal demeanor.
• Puts needs of others above his/her own through accountability, compassion, integrity and respect.
• Functions as an independent and supportive team member.
• Achieves the required UTMB Competency and Clinical Advancement (CCAP) points to achieve / maintain the NC III level.
• Completes the annual self-evaluation on time for competency and performance evaluation using CCAP tools.
• Meets periodic UTMB and unit specific compliance requirements for health screening, training, attendance, safety and CPR.
• Adheres to internal controls and reporting structure.

MARGINAL OR PERIODIC JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs related duties as required.

SALARY RANGE

Salary to commensurate experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity

UTMB Health strives to provide equal opportunity employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. As a Federal Contractor, UTMB Health takes affirmative action to hire and advance protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Primary Location

United States-Texas-Galveston

Work Locations

0875 - Jennie Sealy Hospital

Job

Nursing & Care Management

Employee Status

Non-Manager

Job Level

Day Shift

Job Posting

Oct 21, 2026, 9:34:39 AM