Periop 101 RN

The Periop 101 Registered Nurse in the Operating Room has existing experience as a Registered Nurse but is new to the perioperative patient care environment. In some cases, a new graduate RN may be considered with relevant clinical exposure to the perioperative setting. This position requires attention to detail, a willingness to be taught in a new and fast-paced environment, ability to take constructive feedback, and the ability to critically think quickly and solve problems. The Periop 101 RN will participate in a structured, hybrid, instructor led Association of perioperative Registered Nurses Periop 101: A Core Curriculum course over a number of weeks. Education received is an investment and will take 9-12 months of training. It includes required reading and keeping notes in preparation for an exam to pass the course. The Periop 101 RN will commit to completing the program, transitioning into a standard OR RN position which includes call, and staying in their position for a minimum of two years following completion of the program.

The Registered Nurse in the Surgical Services Section exemplifies the qualities of leadership, delegation, collaboration, effective communication, and advocacy. The organization uses evidence and data to support our practice. The patient and their family are the focus, and the RN will establish and maintain a therapeutic relationship with the patient while understanding cultural differences. The RN will work collaboratively with anesthesia, the surgeon, residents, the charge RN, and their peers to take excellent care of their patient.

Clinical Practice

• Deliver safe, evidence-based nursing care
• Perform comprehensive preoperative patient assessments
• Verify patient identity, procedure, consent, alleriges, implants, and required documentation
• Participate in Universal Protocol and Time Out
• Prepare the OR with appropriate equipment, supplies, medications, and implants
• Maintain aseptic technique and sterile field integrity
• Assist with patient positioning using appropriate pressure injury prevention measures
• Coordinate intraoperative patient care with surgeon, anesthesia, surgical technologist, and support staff
• Administer medications to the sterile field ensuring the scrubbed person sees medication name, concentration, and expiration date
• Perform accurate specimen handling and documentation
• Complete comprehensive intraoperative documentation in the EHR
• Participate in required surgical counts and resolve discrepancies
• Facilitate safe patient transfer to PACU and provide handoff
• Demonstrate the skill and judgment necessary to implement surgeon orders, nursing interventions, and utilize critical thinking in solving problems

Learning and Professional Development

• Successfully complete all AORN Periop 101 learning modules and exam
• Completed assigned clinical rotations across all service lines
• Demonstrate progressive competency in circulating nurse responsibilities
• Participate in simulations, skills validation, and competency assessments
• Maintain an individualized orientation checklist
• Attend required education classes, department meetings, and in-services
• Seek feedback from educator and preceptor(s)
• Incorporate feedback into practice
• Provide updated RN license upon renewal to manager
• Complete HealthStream assignments on time

Quality and Safety

• Adhere to AORN Guidelines for Perioperative Practice
• Adhere to UConn Health Waterbury Hospital policies
• Report patient safety events, near misses, and equipment issues or concerns
• Participate in quality improvement and performance improvement activities
• Maintain patient confidentiality

Teamwork

• Demonstrate respectful communication with physicians and interdisciplinary team members
• Foster a culture of safety and teamwork
• Assist with room turnover and preparation for subsequent cases
• Participate in departmental huddles and debriefings

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed Registered Nurse in the State of Connecticut
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program
• Ability to successfully complete the AORN Periop 101 curriculum and clinical competency requirements
• Basic computer skills including use of email and ability to access internet

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• BSN or currently enrolled in a BSN program
• Previous acute care nursing experience
• Demonstrated commitment to professional growth and lifelong learning

PHYSICAL REQUIREMEMTS

• Prolonged sitting, standing, and/or walking
• Lifting, turning, positioning of patients
• Pushing stretchers
• Wearing a lead apron
• Frequent bending, reaching
• Pushing of equipment
• Use of sight, hearing, and touch

The UConn Health Community Network is a not-for-profit organization created to extend UConn Health’s mission by partnering with community hospitals and connecting them to its clinical expertise, academic strength, and operational resources.

Today, the network is a thriving community‑based system of care serving more than 280,000 residents across the region. It employs over 2,000 professionals and supports a medical staff of roughly 700 clinicians.

At its core is Waterbury Hospital, a 347‑bed community teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Alongside Connecticut Children’s, the UConn Health Community Network Medical Group, Access Rehab Centers, and its role as a leading partner in the Harold Leever Cancer Center, the network has been shaping the region’s healthcare landscape for more than 130 years.

And Waterbury Hospital is only the beginning — the network is designed for continued growth, deeper partnerships, and broader regional impact.