RN-Operating room circulator nurse -(64 hours per period)

Mille Lacs Health System

Onamia (MN)

On-site

USD 557,000 - 895,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

Mille Lacs Health System in Minnesota is seeking an RN Circulator to support the surgical team by maintaining a safe, efficient environment inside the operating room. The role focuses on patient advocacy while anesthetized and requires strong nursing knowledge and critical thinking.

Responsibilities include pre/post procedure prep, assisting anesthesia, maintaining EMR documentation, and ensuring safety, quality, and teamwork.

Qualifications

Graduate from an accredited school of nursing with current MN RN licensure.
Active BLS and ACLS certifications required upon hire; PALS preferred.
Circulating experience preferred; Periop 101 may substitute for circulating experience.
Excellent communication and computer skills (EMR familiarity).
Strong teamwork, critical thinking and patient advocacy in the OR context.

Responsibilities

Assist anesthesia personnel with induction and intraoperative care as needed.
Position, prep and transfer patients; maintain sterile technique and patient safety.
Document procedures and post-care in EMR; ensure accurate case posting.
Collaborate with surgical team to ensure timely, high‑quality patient care.
Maintain privacy, dignity, and safety for patients and family members.

Skills

Nursing knowledge

Teamwork

Communication skills

Critical thinking

EMR documentation

Patient advocacy

Education

RN license Minnesota

BLS

ACLS

Periop 101

Job description

Summary

The RN Circulator manages all the necessary care inside the surgery room, assisting the team in maintaining and creating a comfortable, safe environment for the patient and observing the team from a wide perspective. He or she must ensure all surgical team members perform in a unified effort. During the operation the circulating nurse advocates for the patient while they are sedated or anesthetized. An effective circulating nurse possesses the knowledge, skills, and training to carry out circulating duties during surgery. By using sound judgment, interpersonal communication skills and critical thinking skills, the circulating nurse can check and evaluate the patient's needs, ensuring positive outcome and to make sure the patient gets the highest standard of care.

Job Duties

Exercises good judgment.
Sets and meets individual/professional goals.
Excellent customer service skills with the ability to communicate at various levels.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment are a must.
Attention to detail, organization, and prioritization.
Participates in the control of cost effective services that reflect proper use of equipment, appropriate use of supplies, and effective management of patient care.
Welcomes and mentors new employees.
Willingness to work with team member outside of the surgical services department if needed.
Respects the privacy and dignity of everyone.
Is courteous and friendly, uses a quiet, respectful tone when speaking
Advocates for patients and family members.
Explains procedure to patient to ensure understanding.
Answers any questions patient/family member may have, utilizing resources as needed.
Anticipates patient's needs.
Initiates and maintains patient care plan to reflect current patient needs utilizing EMR.
Demonstrates effective interviewing and assessment skills and integrates new or current techniques to obtain physical/psycho-social information from the patient/family to plan, implement and evaluate patient care through the nursing process.
Assists anesthesia personnel with induction of anesthesia as needed.
Participates in "Safe Site" and "Safe Account" in every procedure and effectively performs "Time Out".
Positions and preps patient for surgical procedure.
Performs other nursing duties during procedure as requested by CRNA or Surgeon.
Meet needs and expectations of surgical team.
Completes appropriate paperwork/EMR for each procedure in a timely manner.
Cares for specimens properly.
Assists in end of procedure activities (i.e., dressing, patient transfer, room cleaning).
Ensures case is posted on paper chart
Uses protective clothing/gear as necessary.
Works to resolve risk/safety/Quality issues.
Reports safety hazards, accidents incidents promptly.
Actively works to reduce errors.
Actively asks questions when need arises.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Employee will comply with all Mille Lacs Health System (MLHS) policies, including safety policies, procedures, and rules. All will be expected to report unsafe conditions to a member of management.

Required Education And Experience

Graduate from an accredited school of nursing with current licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of Minnesota.
Knowledge of nursing principles, policies, procedures and medical ethics equivalent to years of experience.
Circulating experience required, completion of Periop 101 course may be considered in lieu of circulating experience. Hospital experience preferred.
Excellent communication skills at various levels.
Computer skills including Microsoft Word.
Required Certifications upon hire: Basic Life Support and ACLS.
Preferred Certifications: PALS

Preferred Education And Experience