OR Circulating Registered Nurse | Per Diem

Join Our Surgical Services Team as an OR Circulating Registered Nurse with PACU Responsibilities

Cottage Hospital is seeking a compassionate and experienced Registered Nurse to join our Surgical Services team as an Operating Room (OR) Circulating RN with PACU responsibilities.

This unique role provides the opportunity to care for patients throughout the perioperative continuum, including preoperative assessment, intraoperative circulating responsibilities, and post-anesthesia recovery care. As a critical member of the surgical team, you will serve as the patient's advocate, coordinate care among surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, and nursing staff, and help ensure a safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical experience.

In the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), you will assess and monitor patients recovering from anesthesia, manage pain and postoperative symptoms, provide patient and family education, and collaborate closely with surgeons and anesthesia providers to support safe recovery and discharge.

If you are passionate about patient safety, teamwork, and delivering exceptional surgical care, we encourage you to apply.

Essential Responsibilities

Operating Room Responsibilities

• Perform preoperative patient assessments and verify patient identification, procedure, consent, and surgical site

• Coordinate surgical procedures and communicate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and surgical technologists

• Advocate for patients and promote safety throughout the surgical experience

• Ensure compliance with Universal Protocol and conduct surgical time-outs

• Assist with patient positioning and prevention of pressure injuries

• Monitor sterile technique and maintain a safe surgical environment

• Manage specimens, implants, medications, and surgical documentation

• Complete accurate electronic medical record documentation

• Participate in emergency response and quality improvement activities

PACU Responsibilities

• Receive and assess patients upon arrival from the operating room

• Monitor airway, breathing, circulation, neurological status, pain, and vital signs

• Administer medications and treatments as ordered

• Recognize and respond to postoperative complications and emergencies

• Assess and manage pain, nausea, and comfort measures

• Monitor surgical sites, drains, dressings, and IV therapy

• Provide patient and family education regarding recovery and discharge instructions

• Collaborate with anesthesia providers and surgeons regarding patient status

• Document recovery assessments, interventions, and patient outcomes

• Determine readiness for discharge according to established criteria and policies

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program

• Current New Hampshire Registered Nurse license

• Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications required

• CNOR certification preferred

• Previous perioperative and/or PACU experience preferred

Why Cottage Hospital?

• Supportive and collaborative perioperative team

• Opportunity to practice across both OR and PACU settings

• Meaningful impact in a rural healthcare community

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package

• Professional growth and development opportunities

• On-call opportunities, including nights, weekends, and holidays as assigned

Cottage Hospital — where you can learn, grow, and give back.