The RN Circulator is responsible for delivering safe, efficient, and compassionate perioperative nursing care for patients undergoing outpatient surgical and procedural services at Tennessee Surgery Center. Serving as the patient’s advocate, the Circulator coordinates all aspects of care before, during, and after procedures by collaborating with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and perioperative staff. This role requires strong clinical judgment, communication skills, and adherence to AORN standards, regulatory requirements, and TnSC policies to ensure optimal patient outcomes in both operating room and procedure-room settings, including pediatric populations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

• Perform comprehensive, age-appropriate preoperative nursing assessments, confirming patient identity, consent, surgical/procedural plan, and site marking according to safety protocols.
• Prepare operating and procedure rooms by verifying availability, sterility, and proper functioning of instruments, equipment, and supplies.
• Circulate during surgical and procedural cases by monitoring sterile technique, anticipating team needs, documenting care, and ensuring safe, efficient workflow.
• Act as the patient and family advocate, maintaining safety, dignity, confidentiality, and emotional support throughout the perioperative experience.
• Assist with patient positioning, prepping, and intraoperative monitoring in collaboration with anesthesia providers and surgeons.
• Coordinate patient flow and care transitions with Pre-Op, PACU, recovery, and sterile processing staff to support timely case progression.
• Manage and process surgical and procedural specimens according to established protocols and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Respond quickly and appropriately to intraoperative or procedural emergencies.
• Participate in infection prevention, quality improvement activities, and compliance with AAAHC, CMS, OSHA, and AORN regulatory standards.
• Provide education, mentorship, and clinical support to new staff and team members working in the OR or procedural setting.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the OR Director, Team Lead, or Administrator.

• KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

  EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Tennessee.
• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
• Minimum of one year perioperative, procedural, or pediatric nursing experience preferred; ASC or hospital OR experience strongly preferred.
• Current BLS required; ACLS and PALS required or obtained based on patient population.
• Strong knowledge of aseptic technique, surgical/procedural workflows, and perioperative practice standards (AORN).
• Excellent critical-thinking, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and maintain composure in high-stress situations.

• PHYSICIAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during surgical procedures.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. and assist with patient transfers/positioning.
• Manual dexterity and visual acuity sufficient to operate equipment and monitor patient condition.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.