Registered Nurse Circulator- Operating Room

Henry Ford Health; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Henry Ford Health in Detroit, MI seeks a Registered Nurse Circulator for perioperative care in a fast-paced operating room. You will advocate for patients, support the surgical team, and ensure safety and infection control throughout procedures.

Required is RN licensure in Michigan with 1-2 years of OR circulating experience; BSN preferred. Scrub knowledge is a plus, and you will participate in ongoing education to stay current with best practices in perioperative nursing.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
• BSN preferred.
• Minimum 1-2 years of OR circulating experience required.
• Prior operating room experience demonstrating competency in perioperative nursing practices.
• Scrub knowledge is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary patient advocate throughout the perioperative experience, ensuring patient safety, dignity, and comfort before, during, and after surgical procedures.
• Perform comprehensive preoperative assessments and patient education to prepare patients for surgery and address concerns.
• Manage operating room setup, equipment functionality, and instrument availability in accordance with surgical protocols and safety standards.
• Maintain strict adherence to infection control protocols, sterile field management, and environmental safety standards throughout all surgical cases.
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical technicians, and nursing staff to ensure seamless surgical case flow and optimal patient outcomes.
• Document all perioperative nursing care, patient responses, and case details accurately and thoroughly in the electronic health record system.
• Demonstrate clinical knowledge and analytical abilities necessary to formulate effective nursing care plans and respond to intraoperative changes.
• Perform a wide variety of professional nursing services including patient positioning, monitoring, and assistance during surgical procedures.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, families, and all hospital personnel in a respectful and compassionate manner.
• Provide postoperative care coordination and patient education regarding recovery expectations and discharge instructions.
• Maintain current knowledge of surgical procedures, equipment, and best practices through ongoing professional development and continuing education.
• Demonstrate a positive, professional attitude and function as a reliable team player in a demanding, fast-paced surgical environment.

Skills

Nursing

Perioperative care

Infection control

Patient education

Team collaboration

EHR systems

Education

RN license

BSN preferred

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Company Description

At Henry Ford Health, we're committed to advancing health and improving lives for the millions of people we serve across Michigan and around the world. As one of the nation's leading academic health systems, we provide a comprehensive continuum of care that includes primary and preventive services, specialty and complex care, virtual care, pharmacy, home health, eye care, health insurance, and more. With 12 hospitals and hundreds of ambulatory care locations, including former Ascension Southeast Michigan and Flint Region facilities, our growing network expands access to exceptional care in the communities we serve.

Company Description

At Henry Ford Health, we're committed to advancing health and improving lives for the millions of people we serve across Michigan and around the world. As one of the nation's leading academic health systems, we provide a comprehensive continuum of care that includes primary and preventive services, specialty and complex care, virtual care, pharmacy, home health, eye care, health insurance, and more. With 12 hospitals and hundreds of ambulatory care locations, including former Ascension Southeast Michigan and Flint Region facilities, our growing network expands access to exceptional care in the communities we serve. Headquartered in Detroit, Henry Ford Health is helping shape the future of healthcare through the transformative Future of Health: Detroit initiative, a $3 billion investment that is redefining our academic healthcare campus and advancing innovation, research, education, and community impact. Our work is grounded in purpose, collaboration, and belonging. We empower team members to grow their careers, contribute innovative ideas, and make a meaningful difference every day. Whether you're caring for patients, supporting operations, conducting research, or driving new solutions, you'll be part of a team united by a shared mission: delivering exceptional care, advancing health outcomes, and building healthier communities for all.

Job Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Registered Nurse Circulator will provide comprehensive perioperative nursing care in a fast-paced operating room environment. This role requires a skilled professional who can manage multiple surgical cases while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety, infection control, and surgical team collaboration.

Hours & Schedule

The unit operates Monday-Friday with a standard shift of 0630-1500 (occasionally required to stay over to finish cases). This position works 5 days per 2-week pay period.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary patient advocate throughout the perioperative experience, ensuring patient safety, dignity, and comfort before, during, and after surgical procedures.
• Perform comprehensive preoperative assessments and patient education to prepare patients for surgery and address concerns.
• Manage operating room setup, equipment functionality, and instrument availability in accordance with surgical protocols and safety standards.
• Maintain strict adherence to infection control protocols, sterile field management, and environmental safety standards throughout all surgical cases.
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical technicians, and nursing staff to ensure seamless surgical case flow and optimal patient outcomes.
• Document all perioperative nursing care, patient responses, and case details accurately and thoroughly in the electronic health record system.
• Demonstrate clinical knowledge and analytical abilities necessary to formulate effective nursing care plans and respond to intraoperative changes.
• Perform a wide variety of professional nursing services including patient positioning, monitoring, and assistance during surgical procedures.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, families, and all hospital personnel in a respectful and compassionate manner.
• Provide postoperative care coordination and patient education regarding recovery expectations and discharge instructions.
• Maintain current knowledge of surgical procedures, equipment, and best practices through ongoing professional development and continuing education.
• Demonstrate a positive, professional attitude and function as a reliable team player in a demanding, fast-paced surgical environment.

Education & Experience Required

• Graduation from an accredited school of nursing.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Minimum 1-2 years of OR circulating experience required.
• Prior operating room experience demonstrating competency in perioperative nursing practices.
• Scrub knowledge is a plus.

Certifications & Licensures Required

• Current licensure by the Michigan State Board of Nursing.