Operating Room New Grad Rn Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Wellspring Nurse Source is seeking a travel nurse RN OR - Operating Room for a travel nursing job in Elizabethtown, Kentucky.

• Specialty: OR - Operating Room
• Discipline: RN
• Start Date: 07/06/2026
• Duration: 13 weeks
• 36 hours per week
• Shift: 12 hours, evenings
• Employment Type: Travel

Position Title: Operating Room (OR) Nurse

Job Summary: The Operating Room (OR) Nurse, also known as a Perioperative Nurse, is responsible for providing direct nursing care to patients undergoing surgery. The OR Nurse works as part of a multidisciplinary team in the operating room, ensuring that the surgical environment is safe, sterile, and efficient. They assist with preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care, working closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality care.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Preoperative Care:

   • Assess patients’ medical histories, perform physical assessments, and ensure that necessary tests are completed before surgery.
   • Review the surgical procedure and verify patient identity, surgical site, and other critical information to prevent errors.
   • Educate patients and their families about the surgical procedure, potential risks, and postoperative care instructions.
   • Prepare and assess surgical instruments and equipment to ensure everything is sterile and ready for the surgery.
   • Administer preoperative medications as ordered, including antibiotics or sedatives.

2. Intraoperative Care:

   • Assist the surgical team by providing sterile instruments, supplies, and equipment during the procedure.
   • Monitor the patient's vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, and temperature throughout the surgery.
   • Ensure the operating room maintains a sterile field and that all instruments are properly handled to prevent infection.
   • Document all aspects of the surgery, including medications given, time of procedures, and any complications or changes during surgery.
   • Assist with positioning the patient on the operating table to ensure comfort and proper access to the surgical site.

3. Postoperative Care:

   • Monitor patients as they recover from anesthesia, assessing vital signs, and ensuring that they are stable before transfer to the recovery room or another care unit.
   • Provide postoperative education to patients and their families, including instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and signs of complications.
   • Assist with the management of postoperative pain, administering medications as prescribed.
   • Communicate with the surgical team about any concerns or complications during the recovery phase.
   • Ensure that patients' post-anesthesia care is documented thoroughly.

4. Collaboration and Communication:

   • Work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, surgical technologists, and other nursing staff to provide seamless and effective care.
   • Communicate clearly and effectively with patients, families, and the surgical team to ensure that everyone is informed about the patient's progress and needs.
   • Participate in patient hand-offs, ensuring that all relevant information is communicated during shift changes.

5. Infection Control and Safety:

   • Adhere to strict infection control practices, ensuring all equipment and surgical instruments are properly sterilized.
   • Follow proper safety protocols, including maintaining a sterile field, handling sharps, and assisting with positioning and monitoring during surgery.
   • Ensure that the operating room environment complies with hospital policies and regulatory standards to reduce the risk of infection or injury.

6. Emergency Response and Crisis Management:

   • Remain prepared for emergencies, such as patient complications during surgery or unexpected changes in the patient’s condition.
   • Provide immediate care in the event of a medical emergency, such as resuscitation or hemorrhage control, and coordinate with the surgical team for quick resolution.

7. Professional Development:

   • Keep current with best practices, new surgical techniques, and advances in perioperative nursing care through continuing education.
   • Participate in workshops, conferences, and other training opportunities to maintain and enhance clinical skills.
   • Mentor and train new nurses or nursing students in the operating room environment.

Qualifications:

• Education:
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred; Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required.
• Licensure:
  • Current state RN license in good standing.
  • Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) required.

Wellspring Nurse Source Job ID #37181083. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: RN OR