Registered Nurse (RN), Surgery Board Runner/OR Circulator

Job Title: Registered Nurse (RN) - Operating Room Circulator / Board Runner

Job Summary:

The Operating Room Registered Nurse (RN) Circulator/Board Runner is responsible for coordinating and delivering patient care in the perioperative setting. This role functions both as a circulator within assigned surgical cases and as a board runner, overseeing daily OR flow, staffing, and case progression to ensure safe, efficient operations.

Key Responsibilities:

Circulator Role:

• Perform comprehensive preoperative assessment and verify patient, procedure, and consent.
• Ensure proper room setup, equipment, and supplies based on surgeon preference and procedure.
• Maintain sterile environment and enforce aseptic technique.
• Serve as patient advocate throughout the perioperative experience.
• Document intraoperative care accurately in the electronic medical record.
• Communicate effectively with surgical team, anesthesia, and ancillary departments.
• Assist with positioning, prepping, and intraoperative patient safety measures.
• Manage specimens according to policy.
• Participate in time-out and ensure compliance with safety protocols.

Board Runner Role:

• Coordinate daily OR schedule and monitor case progression in real time.
• Adjust staffing assignments based on case volume, acuity, and staff skill mix.
• Facilitate room turnover efficiency and minimize delays.
• Communicate with surgeons, anesthesia, PACU, SPD, and leadership regarding schedule changes or issues.
• Troubleshoot workflow disruptions, equipment needs, or staffing shortages.
• Prioritize add-on and emergency cases in collaboration with leadership.
• Monitor on-time starts, turnover times, and overall OR efficiency metrics.
• Serve as a resource and support for OR staff throughout the shift.

Additional Duties:

• Assist with orientation and training of new staff.
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, AORN standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain competency in specialty procedures and equipment (e.g., robotics, endoscopy,vascular, plastics, pain, cataract surgery, general)

Qualifications:

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license Alabama/Multistate
• Minimum 2-3 years OR experience preferred (circulator experience preferred).
• Strong knowledge of surgical procedures, instrumentation, and sterile technique.
• Ability to multitask and make real-time decisions in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CNOR certification preferred 
• Experience with OR scheduling or charge/board runner role.
• Experience with robotic surgery and multiple specialties.

Work Environment:

• Fast-paced operating room setting with multiple specialties.
• Requires flexibility, critical thinking, and ability to manage competing priorities.

No Call, Weekends or Holidays emergency department, medical and oncology services; medical/surgical inpatient units; and  short-stay surgery units. Shoals also operates the region's only in-patient acute rehabilitation facility, the J. W. Sommer Rehabilitation Unit, and the Shoals Senior Care Center, the Shoals' only psychiatric unit dedicated to our senior adults.

Shoals Hospital is an affiliate of LifePoint Health and is committed to delivering high-quality and compassionate care with a focus on patient satisfaction and clinical outcomes.

EEOC Statement 

"North Alabama Shoals Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. North Alabama Shoals Hospital is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity for all applicants and employees and complies with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment in employment."