Tri-City Medical Center has served San Diego County’s coastal communities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista, as well as the surrounding region for more than 60 years and is one of the largest employers in North San Diego County. Tri-City is administered by the Tri-City Healthcare District, a California Hospital District. As a full-service acute care public hospital with over 500 physicians practicing in over 60 specialties, Tri-City is vital to the well-being of our community and serves as a healthcare safety net for many of our citizens. The hospital has received a Gold Seal of Approval® from the Joint Commission showcasing a commitment to safe and effective patient care for the residents of the community. 

Tri-City Medical Center prides itself on being the home to leading orthopedic, spine and cardiovascular health services while also specializing in world-class robotic surgery, cancer and emergency care. Tri-City’s Emergency Department is there for your loved ones in their time of need and is highly regarded for our heart attack and stroke treatment programs. When minutes matter Tri-City is your source for quality compassionate care close to home. Tri-City partners with over 90 local non-profit and community organizations as part of our COASTAL Commitment initiative. Together we are helping tackle some of our communities’ pressing health and social needs.

Position Summary:

The Operating Room Registered Nurse (OR RN) at the Clinical Nurse II (CN II) level is a vital part of the surgical team, responsible for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care during the perioperative period. This role requires advanced competencies, specialized certifications, and a strong ability to function autonomously while collaborating with interdisciplinary team members to ensure patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes.

Major Position Responsibilities:

The position characteristics reflect the most important duties, responsibilities and competencies considered necessary to perform the essential functions of the job in a fully competent manner. They should not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements of the position. The characteristics of the position and standards of performance may be changed by TCMC with or without prior notice based on the needs of the organization.

• Maintains a safe, clean working environment, including unit based safety and infection control requirements.
• Patient Care:
  • Coordinate the interprofessional health care team to deliver safe, efficient, patient-centered, timely and equitable care to surgical patients.
  • Conduct comprehensive preoperative assessments to identify patient-specific
  • Develop and implement individualized perioperative care
  • Monitor and evaluate patient responses intraoperatively, ensuring swift intervention as needed.
  • Act as patient advocate and protect patient dignity and
  • Administer moderate sedation for patients undergoing Endoscopy
  • Evaluates effectiveness of care provided by all health care team members, including oneself, and contribution of systems, environment and instrumentation in progressing patients toward desired outcomes.
  • Advocate for evidence-based practices in perioperative
  • Serves as a liaison to the cardiac surgeons, anesthesia providers and department leadership. (CVOR RN position only)
• Surgical Support:
  • Ensure proper handling of surgical instruments, equipment, and sterile
  • Handle and document surgical specimens according to facility policy and physician orders.
  • Anticipate the needs of the surgical team and maintain a seamless
  • Responsible for inventory management, including, but not limited to, storage and distribution of all cardiac related items, notifying the CVOR RN Specialty Coordinator when supplies are low for reordering purposes. (CVOR RN position only)
• Safety and Compliance:
  • Maintain a safe, clean working environment, adhering to infection control and hospital policies.
  • Maintain strict adherence to aseptic techniques and infection control
  • Comply with hospital and regulatory standards, including The Joint Commission, OSHA, and AORN guidelines.
  • Adhere to facility policies to ensure safe surgical care, including, but not limited to, patient identification, pre-procedure verification, Universal Protocol, and prevention of unintended retained surgical items.
  • Identify and report safety concerns; demonstrate willingness to address pervasive systemic issues.
• Documentation:
  • Accurately document perioperative care, patient progress, and any intraoperative incidents in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Professional Development and Leadership:
  • Provide preceptorship and mentorship to New Graduate Nurses, New Hires, and students, fostering their professional development.
  • Participate in professional development activities, including continuing education, certifications, workshops and quality improvement initiatives.
  • Serve as a resource and advocate for best practices within the surgical services
  • Function in the charge nurse or service line coordinator role as
• Emergency Preparedness:
  • Act decisively in critical situations, such as cardiac arrest or massive hemorrhage, demonstrating advanced clinical skills and composure under pressure.

Qualifications:

Qualifications RN Experience/Transitional RN Program:

• Experience Requirement
  • Experienced OR RN: Two (2) years of experience as a Registered Nurse in a high-acuity operating room department, required.
  • Experienced CVOR RN: Two (2) years of experience as a CVOR RN, required (CVOR RN position only)
  • Transitional RN Program (Main OR only): Five (5) years of experience as a Registered Nurse in an ICU, ED or PACU setting, required.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in handling complex cases across various surgical specialties. Must be able to circulate a variety of specialties (including, but not limited to: Neuro, Spine, HEENT, General, GYN, Vascular, Thoracic, Minimally Invasive, Robotic, Orthopedics).
  • Scrub experience strongly preferred.
• Competencies:
  • Technical Skills:
    • Proficient in operating advanced surgical equipment and technology.
    • Strong understanding of surgical anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology.
    • Expertise in managing sterile fields and ensuring adherence to surgical protocols.
  • Critical Thinking:
    • Rapid decision-making skills in high-pressure environments.
    • Ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to dynamic surgical cases.
  • Communication:
    • Effective verbal and written communication with the surgical team, patients, and families.
    • Strong interpersonal skills to support a collaborative team environment.

Education: 

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or may consider Associate Degree, Nursing (ADN) with five years’ experience as a Registered Nurse in a high-acuity operating room in lieu of BSN required.

Licenses:

• Current California RN License, required.

Certifications:

• Current BLS; American Heart Association Healthcare Provider,
• Current ACLS; American Heart Association Healthcare Provider certification, Current incumbents must obtain certification within 90 days of accepting position of Surgery CN II.
• Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR), or equivalent certification,

Each new hire candidate who is offered employment must pass a physical evaluation, urine drug screen and pre-employment background checks before starting work. 

*Salary/Hourly wage range for this position is posted.  Actual pay will be determined based on verified experience as well as internal equity.

TCHD is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity/expression), age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with a disability.