Intraoperative Registered Nurse - Huntsman OR

Overview

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

Job Family

Nursing: Nursing provides patient care, promotes health, prevents illness and supports positive patient care outcomes through comprehensive care and patient advocacy.

Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

Job Subfamily

Intraoperative nurses play a critical role in the operating room in all surgical settings by managing the overall environment, ensuring patient safety, and supporting the surgical team during procedures. This nurse acts as the patient’s advocate throughout the intraoperative phase, coordinating care and maintaining sterile conditions.

Career Level

N1: Performs routine patient care assignments and may require intermediate support. Applies theoretical knowledge to clinical practice in structured, low-risk environments. Demonstrates understanding of basic nursing principles and unit protocols. Begins applying foundational knowledge in real-time care. Uses standard procedures and tools to assess and respond to patient conditions. Escalates concerns to senior staff and the medical team. Works under varied levels of supervision depending on skillset. Follows care plans and protocols with limited decision-making. Communicates respectfully with patients and team members. Seeks clarification and feedback to support learning.

Essential Functions

• Performs pre, intra, and immediate post procedure assessments for predictable cases; documents care and responses to interventions. Escalates deviation using Chain of command.
• Sets up rooms for standardized procedures; verifies equipment, core instruments, and supplies; performs basic troubleshooting and promptly requests help for atypical issues.
• Executes standard positioning and safety checks; completes surgical counts and specimen stewardship per policy. Performs patient verification and “Timeout ”coordination with surgical team using policy and guidelines.
• Maintains sterility and infection prevention practices; reinforces universal precautions and safety protocols.
• Communicates clearly with patients/families using standardized education materials; ensures understanding and handoff continuity.
• Collaborates with the surgical team to follow established sequencing and adjust minor variations using known steps; escalates anything atypical.
• Participates in unit education/training. Maintains competency through hospital and unit ongoing in-services.
• Works rotating schedules (variable hours, weekends, nights, holidays) to meet 24/7 care needs; maintains regular, reliable, punctual attendance.

Qualifications

Licenses Required

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Utah, or obtain one within 90 days of hire under the interstate compact if switching residency to State of Utah. Must maintain current Interstate Compact (multi-state) license if residency is not being changed to Utah.

• Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.

Qualifications (Preferred)

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

• This position involves intensive work that may exert up to 100 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or otherwise moving objects, such as medical equipment, or patients while providing medical care. Workers in this position may be exposed to infectious diseases and may be required to function around prisoners and behavioral health patients.

Physical Requirements