RN, CHH Surgery

Department Overview

Our Perioperative Services department proudly serves a broad spectrum of surgical disciplines, including Orthopedics, GYN, ENT, General Surgery, Urology, Podiatry, Plastics, Surgical Oncology and Robotics.  This diverse case mix offers our team members continuous learning opportunities and exposure to varied surgical techniques. We are a high-volume, fast-paced unit dedicated to providing exceptional surgical care to adult patients across a diverse range of specialties.

Our operational hours are Monday through Friday. Our standard operating hours are 0645 –

This position also comes with great benefits Some highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care plans. Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from
• Vacation - 192 to 288 hours per year depending on length of service, prorated for part-time
  • Holidays - up to 64 holiday hours per calendar year (employees accrue .0308 holiday hours for each hour paid – included in vacation accruals)
• Sick Leave - 96 hours per year, prorated for part-time
• Substantial public transportation discounts (Tri-met and C-Tran)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Innovative Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including extensive wellness resources

Function/Duties of Position

The OHSU Clinical registered nurse (RN) provides compassionate, evidence-based, and efficient care to individuals, families, communities and patient populations.   The Clinical RN's care delivery is consistent with the Oregon Nurse Practice Act, the ANA Scope and Standards of Practice, and the ANA Code of Ethics.  The Clinical RN demonstrates the professional role obligations of scientist, leader, practitioner, and knowledge transferor [O'Rourke Model of the Professional Role].  Professional accountability enriches the Clinical RN's engagement as a leader in promoting an inter-professional culture of collaborative decision-making, innovation, life-long learning, and teamwork.  The Clinical Nurse exemplifies the principles of a Culture of Safety by committing to a Just Culture, a Reporting Culture, Learning Culture, and an Engaged Informed Culture.

• Comprehensive understanding of aseptic technique and sterile principles.
• Proficiency in surgical instrumentation and equipment: Ability to anticipate surgeon's needs, set up sterile fields, and manage instruments effectively (scrub role).
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Essential for anticipating complications, troubleshooting equipment, and making rapid decisions in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: Ability to effectively communicate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, patients, and families.
• Ability to manage the overall nursing care in the operating room: Including patient assessment, verifying patient identity and surgical site, coordinating resources, and ensuring a safe and comfortable environment (circulating role).
• Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems and surgical documentation.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-pressure and emergency situations.
• Physical stamina: Ability to stand for long periods, lift and reposition patients, and move heavy equipment.
• Attention to detail: Crucial for maintaining sterility, accurate counts, and precise documentation.

Remains up to date on current AORN standards and guidelines and if designated as an ortho best practice champion completes four hours of annual Orthopedic education related to the Hip and Knee Replacement Center of Excellence Certification

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 1-2 years of recent OR experience
• Demonstrated experience in both the scrub and circulating roles within an operating room environment. Experience in general, orthopedic, gyn, urology, surg oncology, robotics, plastics, ENT &vascular surgeries.
• BSN Graduates: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from a program accredited by Commission of Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) or Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (CNEA) 30 days before start date.
• ADN Graduates: Associate Degree in Nursing from an accredited program 30 days before the start date.
• Associate degree Nurses required to enroll in BSN program within 3 years of hire and complete within 5 years of hire
• Current, unencumbered Oregon State Registered Nurse License
• BLS at time of hire and must be issued by the American Heart Association (AHA)
• BLS must not expire during orientation
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without accommodation

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in Perioperative Nursing (CNOR): This is a highly valued certification for perioperative nurses and demonstrates a commitment to the specialty.
• Experience with specific surgical specialties or equipment: Orthopedic traction devices, fluid management systems, laser, Arthroscopy equipment, ESU Units/Cautery, ligasure/harmonic scalpel, endoscopic equipment, Robotic equipment
• Participation in professional organizations: (e.g., Association of perioperative Registered Nurses - AORN).

Additional Details

Length of Orientation – Experienced Nurse

• External candidates: OHSU & Nursing New Employee Orientation (NEO) for about a week.
• Either Transition to Practice (TTP) Program Specialty Fellowship/Fellowship Learning Pathway or Orientation experience for 3 days-26 weeks depending on the care area. An employment service agreement may apply.

All are welcomeOregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at or

---