Operating Room Board Runner RN
Cool Springs Surgery Center
Memphis, TN

RN Board Runner

Job Title: RN OR Board Runner

 

Position Summary

The RN Board Runner plays a critical coordination role within the perioperative environment, serving as the real-time operational hub for the surgical schedule. This role is responsible for managing the surgical board, facilitating patient flow, and ensuring effective communication among nursing staff, physicians, anesthesia, and support departments to keep cases running safely, efficiently, and on time.

 

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and maintain the surgical board, ensuring accurate, real-time updates to case status, room assignments, delays, add-ons, and cancellations
• Coordinate patient flow from Pre-Op through PACU, identifying and resolving bottlenecks proactively
• Serve as the primary communication liaison between surgeons, anesthesia, nursing staff, sterile processing, and leadership
• Anticipate staffing, room, and equipment needs based on case volume and acuity
• Support charge nurses with operational decision-making and prioritization of cases
• Monitor case progress and intervene as needed to minimize delays while maintaining patient safety
• Assist with problem-solving related to staffing, room turnover, emergencies, and schedule changes
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, safety, and infection control standards
• Provide clinical support as needed within scope (may include patient assessment, triage, or hands-on care depending on setting)
• Document and communicate key operational updates clearly and professionally
• Perform the duties of OR circulator as needed.

 

Qualifications

Required:

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Minimum of 2–3 years of perioperative, surgical services, or acute care nursing experience
• Strong understanding of surgical workflows and patient throughput
• Excellent communication, critical thinking, and multitasking skills
• Ability to remain calm and decisive in a fast-paced environment

 

Preferred:

• Previous experience as a Charge Nurse, Flow Coordinator, or Board Runner
• ASC or hospital OR experience
• Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) and surgical scheduling systems
• Leadership or coordination experience in a high-volume setting

 

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional organizational and prioritization skills
• Strong situational awareness and operational judgment
• Collaborative, team-oriented mindset
• Clear, confident verbal and written communication
• Flexibility and adaptability in dynamic clinical environments

 

Physical & Work Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• May require lifting or assisting patients per policy
• Schedule may include early mornings, variable shifts, or extended hours based on surgical volume 

 

Benefits: 

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account with an employer contribution
• Life Insurance 
• PTO
• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match
• And more! 

 

Equal Employment Opportunity & Work Force Diversity 

Our organization is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, creed, sex, religion, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, parental status, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic testing results or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state or local laws.  This practice relates to all personnel matters such as compensation, benefits, training, promotions, transfers, layoffs, etc.  Furthermore, our organization is committed to going beyond the legal requirements of equal employment opportunity to take positive actions which ensure diversity in the workplace and result in a multi-cultural organization.

 

 

Behaviors

Preferred

• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
• Dedicated: Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity

Motivations

Preferred

• Flexibility: Inspired to perform well when granted the ability to set your own schedule and goals
• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.