Operating Room RN Circulator
Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

Job Opportunity: OR RN - Bakersfield, California

Position Overview

Seeking an experienced OR RN for a travel contract in California. The role involves circulating in various OR rooms including pediatric cases (except cardiovascular OR), with a variety of surgical specialties.

Contract Length

• 14 weeks

Required Experience

• Minimum 3 years of OR nursing experience
• Prior travel experience required (no first-time travelers)
• Must have at least 2 years of RN experience overall

Required Certifications and Licenses

• Active California RN License
• BLS (AHA)
• ACLS
• PALS

Job Details

• Circulate in all OR rooms except cardiovascular OR (Room 6)
• Scrubbing is done by surgical techs; RN does not scrub
• Must be able to circulate pediatric cases
• Not required to run Brain Lab, Navigation, Laser, or Cell Saver equipment
• EMR system: Cerner (experience required)
• Shift start times: 6:30 AM with 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts; flexibility to start at 5:30 AM if surgeon starts at 6:30 AM
• Call requirements:

  • Weeknight call approximately once per week (6:00 PM - 6:30 AM)
  • Weekend call approximately 3 times per month
  • Holiday call expected unless pre-approved time off
• Call response time: 30 minutes
• Floating expected between all non-cardiothoracic OR rooms (except Room 6), but not outside OR
• Orientation: 2-3 shifts specific to unit/department

Common Surgical Cases

• Neuro (including craniotomy, VP shunt, ACDF, lumbar laminectomy)
• Total joint arthroplasty
• Major vascular (AV fistula, EVARs)
• Cardiac (hearts in Room 6, but no circulating required there)
• General surgery (laparoscopic and open cholecystectomy, hernias, thyroidectomies, mastectomy, breast reduction, burn care)
• Gynecology (LAVH, hysterectomy, TURP)
• Urology
• Plastics
• Podiatry (small amount)
• ENT organ procurement
• Pediatric cases (in dedicated pediatric rooms)

Additional Information

• 11 OR rooms plus 2 pediatric rooms and 1 hybrid room
• Average 30-40 cases per day across rooms
• Charge nurse coverage on days; house supervisor available on weekends/after hours
• Support staff includes surgical techs for scrubbing, RNFAs for first assist, and nursing assistants for turnover and patient transport
• Dress code and scrub color provided by hospital
• 2 anesthesia aides support anesthesia team
• Scheduling includes days, 10-hour shifts, every other weekend, and call duties

This position is ideal for an experienced OR RN with prior travel experience looking for a diverse surgical caseload in a supportive hospital environment.