OR / PACU Charge Nurse (RN)

City of Richland; Richland Center (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Richland Hospital in Richland Center, WI seeks an OR/PACU Charge Nurse to oversee nursing care delivery in the operating and post-anesthesia care areas, ensuring safe patient care and efficient flow. You will lead staff, coordinate schedules, and serve as a perioperative clinical resource across departments.

Ideal candidates have 1+ year OR/PACU experience in rural settings, an active RN license, and current BLS; ACLS/PALS within six months are required.

Qualifications

• Active RN license in good standing.
• Certifications: BLS current; ACLS and PALS within six months of hire.
• Minimum 1 year OR and PACU experience; rural or community hospital preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide shift oversight of nursing care delivery and adherence to standards.
• Supervise staff, offer coaching, feedback, and support.
• Assess patient care activities and environment for improvements.
• Coordinate daily staffing based on surgeon block schedules and needs.
• Serve as clinical resource for perioperative nursing care and procedures.
• Maintain effective communication, de‑escalation, and risk mitigation with teams.
• Anticipate needs to improve outcomes and operational efficiency.
• Support orientation and preceptorship of new staff.
• Provide direct patient care in the OR and PACU as needed.
• Conduct staff huddles in the manager’s absence and liaise with medical staff.

Skills

Leadership

Clinical communication

Regulatory compliance

Team coordination

Education

RN license

BLS certification

ACLS and PALS within 6 months

Rural/community hospital experience

Job description

Description

In our rural hospital setting, the OR/PACU Charge Nurse ensures safe surgical and recovery care, efficient patient flow, regulatory compliance, and strong collaboration across perioperative services while supporting staff, surgeons, and anesthesia providers.

• Core competency is demonstrated by the ability to carry out the following responsibilities:
• Provide shift oversight of nursing care delivery and adherence to standards, policies, and procedures
• Supervise staff and offer professional coaching, feedback, and support
• Assess patient care activities and the environment to identify continuous improvement opportunities
• Coordinate daily staffing based on surgeon block schedules and departmental needs
• Serve as a clinical resource expert for perioperative nursing care and procedures
• Assist with challenging situations through effective communication, de‑escalation, and risk mitigation; utilize debriefing processes and elevate concerns to the Surgery Director as appropriate
• Anticipate patient, staff, and team needs to improve outcomes and operational efficiency
• Problem‑solve and adjust staffing to maintain safe, effective operations
• Support orientation and preceptorship of new staff
• Provide direct patient care in the OR and PACU as needed while balancing charge nurse responsibilities
• Conduct and facilitate staff huddles in the manager’s absence
• Address surgeon and CRNA needs to support efficient surgical services
• Maintain comprehensive working knowledge of unit policies, procedures, and available resources
• Act as a liaison to medical staff and collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary departments
• Assist with evaluation and utilization of clinical equipment
• Assist with evaluation and utilization of clinical equipment
• Adhere to and promote the 7 C’s among team members
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing
• Minimum of 1 year combined OR and PACU experience, or equivalent; rural or community hospital experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and lead effectively in low‑resource settings
• Current BLS required
• ACLS and PALS required within six months of hire

Why Join The Richland Hospital?

At The Richland Hospital, our patients above all else is more than a statement. It is the foundation of everything we do. When you join our team, you become part of a compassionate healthcare organization dedicated to providing exceptional care to our community. We offer a supportive work environment, opportunities for professional growth, and a comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees.

Equal employment opportunity employer

The Richland Hospital & Clinics provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view theEEO Know Your Rights (English) poster orEEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

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