Registerd Nurse (RN) OR Circulator

Talented Medical Solutions; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

TEEMA Solutions Group is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) – Operating Room Circulator for an in-office assignment in San Luis Obispo, CA. The role supports comprehensive perioperative nursing care using Epic EMR to document care and coordinate workflows.

Ideal candidates hold an RN license, BLS, and 1–2 years of OR experience; ACLS and CNOR preferred. Flexibility for a 13-week contract and in-office schedule is required.

Qualifications

• Current RN license in good standing.
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• BLS certification required; ACLS certification preferred or required per facility policy.
• CNOR certification preferred.
• Minimum 1–2 years operating room nursing experience preferred.
• Experience using Epic EMR/EHR system preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform preoperative assessments and verify identity, procedure, allergies, and surgical site.
• Coordinate all aspects of care before, during, and after procedures.
• Maintain sterile environment and prioritize patient safety.
• Conduct surgical time-outs and Universal Protocol.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, CRNAs, techs, and team members.
• Document perioperative care in Epic EMR.
• Assist with patient transfer to PACU and handoffs.
• Ensure infection prevention and regulatory compliance.

Skills

RN license

BLS certification

ACLS certification

CNOR

Epic EMR

OR nursing

Sterile technique

AORN standards

Teamwork

Patient safety

Perioperative care

Education

Nursing degree

RN licensure

Tools

Epic EMR

Job description

Full-time, Contract, 13 weeks EPIC is a must

In-Office | San Luis Obispo, CA, United States

Overview

The Registered Nurse (RN) – Operating Room Circulator is responsible for providing comprehensive perioperative nursing care to patients undergoing surgical procedures. Working collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, and other healthcare professionals, the OR Circulator ensures patient safety, maintains a sterile environment, and coordinates all aspects of patient care throughout the surgical experience. This role utilizes the Epic electronic health record (EHR) system to accurately document patient care, manage perioperative workflows, and support clinical communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive preoperative patient assessments and verify patient identity, surgical procedure, informed consent, allergies, and surgical site according to hospital policies.
• Coordinate all aspects of patient care before, during, and after surgical procedures.
• Serve as the patient advocate throughout the perioperative experience, ensuring patient safety and adherence to evidence-based standards of care.
• Maintain a safe, sterile, and organized operating room environment.
• Conduct surgical time-outs and participate in Universal Protocol to ensure patient safety.
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), surgical technologists, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Monitor patient condition throughout surgery and promptly recognize and respond to changes in patient status.
• Manage surgical specimens according to policy and ensure proper labeling and documentation.
• Oversee surgical counts with the scrub person to ensure accuracy and prevent retained surgical items.
• Coordinate equipment, implants, supplies, and instrumentation required for surgical procedures.
• Administer medications and intravenous fluids in accordance with physician orders and nursing standards.
• Document all perioperative care accurately and timely using the Epic electronic medical record (EMR), including assessments, medications, implants, counts, and intraoperative events.
• Ensure compliance with infection prevention protocols, regulatory standards, and organizational policies.
• Assist with patient transfer to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and provide comprehensive handoff communication.

Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing.
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification preferred or required based on facility policy.
• CNOR certification preferred.
• Minimum of one to two years of Operating Room nursing experience preferred.
• Experience using Epic electronic medical record (EMR/EHR) system preferred.
• Knowledge of AORN standards, sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, and perioperative nursing practices.
• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced surgical environment.
• Proficiency in Epic documentation and perioperative workflows.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.
• Knowledge of infection prevention, quality improvement, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Ability to remain calm and effective during emergency or high-acuity situations.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods during surgical procedures.
• Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, and repositioning of patients and equipment.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to handle surgical equipment and supplies.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations.

The Operating Room Circulator works in a fast-paced surgical environment requiring flexibility, critical thinking, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. The position may require rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, call coverage, and overtime based on departmental needs.