Lead Operating Room Registered Nurse

OrthoNY is opening a brand new, state-of-the-art Ambulatory Surgery Center in Wilton, NY and we're looking for an experienced Operating Room Nurse to support the Clinical Nurse Manager!

The Lead Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN) – Flow Coordinator provides real-time clinical and operational coordination within the perioperative environment. This role is responsible for optimizing OR case flow, resource utilization, and interdisciplinary communication to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical care.

The Lead OR RN functions as a central point of coordination, supporting adherence to AORN standards, promoting patient safety, and fostering a collaborative, team-based environment consistent with Magnet principles.

Responsibilities:

Case Flow & Operations

Manage the OR schedule board in real time, ensuring accurate case progression.
Coordinate case sequencing, room assignments, and workflow adjustments to maintain efficiency.
Identify and address delays, barriers, or opportunities to improve throughput.
Optimize room utilization and turnover efficiency in collaboration with perioperative teams.
Serve as the primary communication hub for OR operations.
Communicate updates, delays, and changes with surgeons, anesthesia providers, Pre-op and PACU teams, and Sterile Processing Department (SPD).
Participate in daily huddles and communicate operational needs to leadership.

Resource & Staffing Coordination

Assist with real-time staffing adjustments to support workflow demands.
Coordinate staff breaks and meal coverage while maintaining patient care and flow.
Ensure availability of necessary equipment, supplies, and instrumentation.

Room Turnover & Efficiency

Monitor and facilitate timely room turnover and readiness for subsequent cases.
Coordinate with SPD and environmental services to minimize delays.
Identify and escalate barriers impacting turnover or case readiness.

Clinical Support

Provide clinical support as needed, including room preparation, patient transport, or specialized assistance to maintain efficient patient care and workflow.
Serve as a resource for perioperative procedures and processes, guiding staff on protocols, resolving workflow issues, and upholding standards throughout surgical care.
Take assignments as necessary to support clinical needs and ensure continuous patient care.

Quality & Safety

Ensure adherence to AORN standards and guidelines, surgical safety checklists and protocols, and infection prevention and sterile technique practices.
Monitor compliance with safety and documentation requirements.
Escalate safety concerns in alignment with a Just Culture approach.

Documentation & Systems

Maintain accurate, real-time updates in the OR scheduling system (SIS).
Document delays, changes, and workflow updates as required.

Professional Practice

Promote a collaborative, respectful, and team-oriented environment.
Support staff through communication, coordination, and informal guidance.
Contribute to a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Education and Certifications

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred
Current NYS Registered Nurse (RN) license required
Basic Life Support (BLS) required
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred
CNOR certification preferred
Minimum 3–5 years of perioperative (OR) nursing experience
Prior experience in charge nurse, flow coordination, or high-volume surgical setting preferred

Key Competencies

Strong organizational and prioritization skills
Effective communication and teamwork
Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment
Critical thinking and problem-solving
Knowledge of OR workflow, surgical procedures, and sterile technique

Work Environment

Fast-paced surgical setting with frequent interruptions
Requires prolonged standing and physical activity