Operating Room Charge Nurse

Job Summary
The Operating Room Charge Nurse is responsible for providing clinical leadership and coordination of
daily operating room activities within the Ambulatory Surgery Center. This position serves as a resource
and clinical leader for Operating Room (OR) nursing staff, surgical technologists, and other perioperative
personnel while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety, quality, efficiency, regulatory compliance,
and exceptional patient care.

The Charge Nurse works collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nursing leadership, surgical
technology staff, sterile processing, pre-operative/PACU staff, and administrative leadership to ensure
safe and efficient surgical operations.

Occupational Exposure
Category I exposure to bloodborne pathogens, frequent exposure to chemical hazards and may
encounter radiation exposure hazards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical Leadership
 Provide daily clinical leadership and direction to OR staff.
 Serve as a clinical resource and role model for nurses, surgical technologists, and other
perioperative team members.
 Promote a culture of teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and respectful communication.
 Assist with staff assignments based on surgical schedule, patient acuity, staff competency, and
operational needs.
 Provide guidance and support during complex or unexpected clinical situations.
 Assists in staff scheduling and assignments
 Assist with orientation, training, competency validation, and development of OR staff.
 Identify staff education needs and communicate them to the Director of Nursing.

Patient Safety and Quality
 Maintain responsibility for ensuring safe patient care throughout the perioperative process.
 Ensure compliance with facility policies, procedures, standards of practice, and applicable
regulatory requirements.
 Reinforce appropriate use of surgical safety practices through adherence to policies and
procedures.
 Immediately address and escalate patient safety concerns or potential adverse events.
 Participate in quality improvement activities, audits, safety initiatives, and corrective action plans.
 Assist with incident/event reporting and follow-up as appropriate.

Operating Room Coordination
 Coordinate daily OR activities to support efficient patient flow and on time starts.

 Review the surgical schedule and anticipate staffing, equipment, instrumentation, implant, and
supply needs.
 Communicate anticipated schedule changes, delays, cancellations, and other operational
concerns to appropriate departments and leadership.
 Coordinate with Sterile Processing and Materials Management regarding instrument availability,
sterilization concerns, loaner trays, and urgent supply needs prior to the procedure.

Physician and Anesthesia Collaboration
 Maintain professional and effective communication with surgeons, anesthesia providers,
physician office staff, and surgical representatives.
 Anticipate surgeon and anesthesia needs, proactively address and resolve concerns, and
appropriately escalate unresolved issues to nursing leadership.
 Communicate changes in patient status, surgical plans, equipment needs, or other concerns to
the appropriate provider.

Staff Management and Accountability
 Provide direction and support to OR staff during the daily assignment.
 Monitor staff adherence to policies, procedures, attendance expectations, professional standards,
and safe work practices.
 Identify immediate performance, conduct, or workflow concerns and escalate concerns to the
Director of Nursing.
 Promote staff accountability for completing assigned responsibilities.
 Assist with competency validation and annual education requirements.
 Help foster a positive work environment focused on teamwork, professionalism, adaptability, and
patient-centered care.

Regulatory and Compliance
 Maintain compliance with all applicable standards, state, federal and accreditation requirements,
 Participate in audits and corrective action activities as assigned.

Emergency Preparedness
 Assist in maintaining staff competency related to emergency procedures.

Administrative Responsibilities
 Assist the Director of Nursing with daily operational responsibilities.
 Provide appropriate communication to Director of Nursing regarding staffing, patient care
concerns, equipment issues, physician concerns, and operational barriers.
 Assist with monitoring OR productivity, turnover times, first-case starts, cancellations, delays, and
other operational metrics.
 Participate in staff meetings, leadership meetings, quality initiatives, and performance
improvement activities.
 Assist with development and implementation of policies, procedures, and workflow
improvements.