Overview
The CVOR Registered Nurse (RN) is a highly skilled perioperative professional responsible for providing exceptional nursing care to patients undergoing cardiovascular and thoracic surgical procedures. Utilizing the nursing process of assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation, the CVOR RN delivers comprehensive, patient-centered care throughout the perioperative experience. This role collaborates closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure the highest standards of patient safety, clinical excellence, and surgical outcomes. The ideal candidate demonstrates advanced knowledge of cardiovascular procedures, strong critical thinking skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-acuity surgical environment.
Responsibilities
- Deliver specialized perioperative nursing care for patients undergoing cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgical procedures.
- Assess patients' perioperative status and apply advanced knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology to anticipate procedural needs and ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Competently perform both scrub and circulating nurse roles during cardiovascular surgical procedures.
- Utilize the nursing process to provide comprehensive patient care, including assessment, care planning, implementation, and evaluation throughout the surgical experience.
- Collect, interpret, document, and communicate pertinent patient information to support safe and effective intraoperative care.
- Maintain thorough, accurate, and complete documentation of all aspects of intraoperative patient care.
- Demonstrate expertise in patient positioning to facilitate surgical access and the successful placement of cardiac and perfusion lines while ensuring patient safety.
- Assist with and verify surgical counts, including sponges, sharps, instruments, and miscellaneous items, in accordance with established policies and regulatory standards.
- Operate and maintain sterilization equipment, including autoclaves and Steris systems, following established guidelines and protocols.
- Perform required biological testing and maintain complete documentation for sterilization, flash sterilization, and Steris cycles.
- Ensure proper handling, assembly, care, and processing of surgical instruments to maintain sterility and equipment integrity.
- Maintain accountability for the appropriate use, care, and management of departmental supplies, instruments, and equipment while promoting cost-effective resource utilization.
- Collaborate with cardiac surgical team members to develop and maintain accurate, up-to-date surgeon preference cards reflecting procedural advancements and changing physician preferences.
- Demonstrate strong critical thinking, clinical judgment, prioritization, and time management skills in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.
- Respond rapidly and effectively to emergent and urgent surgical situations, ensuring readiness to provide exceptional patient care with minimal notice.
- Continuously monitor patient condition throughout procedures and promptly address changes in clinical status.
- Support accurate patient charging and billing processes by maintaining detailed case documentation and communicating pertinent information to post-procedure data personnel.
- Promote operational efficiency through effective room turnover practices, including procedure preparation, room cleanup, contamination control, and timely communication with OR leadership.
- Work collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, perfusionists, and interdisciplinary team members to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.
- Maintain compliance with organizational policies, professional standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Successfully fulfill Clinical Ladder II responsibilities and professional development expectations as outlined by organizational guidelines.
Qualifications
- Cardiovascular experience is required.
- Must possess current hospital experience (within the past 5 years) or be a new graduate (within the last 2 years).
- Must complete Point of Care Testing training as part of Department Orientation.
- Must be knowledgeable regarding the nursing process and its application--assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Credentials
- RN - Registered Nurse
- BLS - Basic Life Saving certification
Education
- RN, graduate of an accredited nursing program
Entry
USD $38.00/Hr.
Max
USD $62.70/Hr.
