RN Surgical Specialist - Operating Room

About the Role

Are you an experienced Operating Room nurse who is passionate about clinical excellence, surgical innovation, and mentoring others? Join PeaceHealth as an RN Surgical Specialist – Operating Room and play a key leadership role in supporting safe, efficient, and exceptional surgical care. In this specialized role you will combine advanced peri‑operative nursing expertise with leadership responsibilities that influence patient outcomes, team development, and operational excellence. You will serve as a clinical resource for surgeons and staff, coordinate specialty service‑line resources, support education and onboarding, and help ensure every patient receives outstanding care throughout their surgical journey.

Why PeaceHealth

PeaceHealth is a mission‑driven healthcare system committed to delivering exceptional medicine with compassion, respect, and human connection. The organization fosters a culture of collaboration, inclusivity, continuous learning, and a deep commitment to serving diverse communities. Caregivers are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work and contribute to an environment grounded in cultural humility and respect for diversity.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $58.64 – $88.69 per hour (actual compensation based on applicable collective bargaining agreements).

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer base and matching contributions
• Generous paid time off
• Employer‑paid life and disability insurance
• Additional voluntary insurance options
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education support
• Wellness programs and resources
• Expanded Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Mental health and wellbeing support
• Financial, social, spiritual, and emotional wellness resources

Call Requirement

• Minimum of one weekday call shift per week
• One weekend call rotation approximately every six weeks

Responsibilities

• Coordinate surgical instrumentation and specialty equipment to support OR schedules and patient needs
• Partner with surgeons, vendors, and sterile processing teams to ensure equipment readiness and surgical efficiency
• Support evaluation and acquisition of new instruments and technology
• Educate and mentor caregivers regarding new procedures, equipment, and best practices
• Assist with orientation and development of new surgical team members
• Serve as a trusted resource for surgeons, nurses, and interdisciplinary team members
• Maintain specialty preference cards and surgeon resource maps
• Troubleshoot equipment and workflow issues to support safe patient care
• Monitor, assess, and document patient care throughout the peri‑operative experience
• Scrub and/or circulate in surgical cases as needed
• Participate in process‑improvement initiatives that enhance quality, safety, and patient outcomes
• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and develop individualized plans of care
• Provide patient and family education, support, and referrals as appropriate

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) licensure
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification upon hire
• Minimum 5 years of current, verifiable full‑time surgical RN experience as a circulator and/or scrub RN (experience within the last six months)
• Minimum 2 years of progressive leadership experience or equivalent
• Preferred: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
• Preferred: Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR)
• Preferred: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification

Skills for Success

• Extensive operating room scrub and/or circulating experience
• Knowledge of sterilization processes and instrumentation management
• Strong clinical judgment and problem‑solving abilities
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to educate, mentor, and influence others
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced surgical environment
• Commitment to teamwork, patient safety, and continuous improvement
• Strong computer proficiency and clinical documentation skills

Location & Quality of Life

Live and work in Vancouver, Washington, located along the Columbia River. The area offers Pacific Northwest living with vibrant community amenities, easy access to Portland, stunning mountain views, scenic hiking trails, waterfalls, rivers, and year‑round outdoor recreation. Residents enjoy local farmers markets, paddleboarding, hiking in the Columbia Gorge, skiing on nearby mountains, and a renowned food and coffee culture, providing an exceptional quality of life.