Operating Room Coordinator

POSITION OVERVIEW (non-exempt):

Provides daily operational coordination for Operating Services, ensuring safe, efficient, and well‑orchestrated surgical care. This role oversees OR workflow, board management, assists with scheduling alignment, onboarding, competency tracking, and communication across surgical teams, while supporting the Perioperative Managers in driving quality, patient experience, staff engagement, and readiness for surgical growth.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; current Iowa RN license required
• BCLS required; ACLS/PALS preferred
• Minimum 2-3 years of OR experience required
• Demonstrated leadership ability; previous charge or supervisory experience preferred
• Strong communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills
• Ability to lead teams through change, maintain accountability, and support high‑reliability operations

ACCOUNTABILITY:

Reports to Perioperative Manager and Perioperative Assistant Nurse Manager

DIRECT REPORTS:

None

POSITION-SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS/ ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Operational Leadership & Daily Coordination

• Provides daily oversight of surgical workflow, room readiness, turnover efficiency, and case progression.
• Manages the OR board to ensure cases stay on schedule and delays are addressed in real time.
• Coordinates communication between OR staff, anesthesia/CRNAs, surgeons, and support departments.
• Ensures proper pre‑op work‑up is completed and communicated prior to surgery.

Staff & Resource Alignment

• Majority of time spent in staffing functions, serves as the department's primary "go‑to" leader whenever management unavailable.
• Works with Managers to optimize resource utilization and reduce staff downtime and/or overtime.

Team Support & Accountability (Without Direct Reports)

• Sets clear expectations for workflow discipline, timeliness, and task completion.
• Provides coaching, mentoring, and real‑time guidance to support staff performance and engagement.
• Supports onboarding, orientation, and competency validation for new and existing staff.
• Serves as the department's primary coordination point when management is unavailable.
• Ensures adherence to sterile technique, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Supports staff in recognizing and responding to adverse or emergent conditions.

Quality, Safety & Regulatory

• Promotes quality improvement initiatives within Perioperative Services.
• Ensures compliance with infection prevention, documentation standards, and equipment safety.
• Collaborates with BioMed, Sterile Processing, and Materials to maintain supply and equipment readiness.

.Communication & Culture

• Facilitates daily huddles, debriefs, and team communication in absence of management.
• Promotes a culture of accountability, teamwork, and patient‑centered care.
• Supports department and organizational goals related to quality, patient experience, employee experience, including surgical optimization and growth.
• Provides consistent guidance and accountability to help staff meet performance expectations.
• Serves as a liaison between staff and management, escalating concerns appropriately.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Works in a well-illuminated, climate-controlled environment
• May come in contact with hazardous chemical or treatment modalities
• Possibility exists of exposure to communicable diseases
• Involvement in inpatient care may result in unavoidable work-related illness or injury
• Work environment is comfortable, with minimal exposure to physical hazards
• Moderate to loud noise environment when machines/equipment in use
• Involvement in checking in/moving of supplies may result in unavoidable work-related injury
• Must be constantly alert for patient/family emergency situations