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.