Cottage Hospital is seeking an experienced OR Circulating Nurse (RN) to join our Surgical Services department. Our Surgical Services team supports pre-op, operating room, PACU, and Same Day Surgery services within a collaborative rural critical access hospital environment.
The ideal candidate will have circulating experience in general/laparoscopic and orthopedic procedures and be passionate about delivering safe, high-quality perioperative patient care.
The OR Circulating Nurse is responsible for coordinating and delivering care throughout the perioperative process while working closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure excellent patient outcomes and a safe surgical environment.
Key Responsibilities:
• Prepare operating rooms and verify instruments, equipment, and sterile supplies are available and functioning properly
• Assist with patient positioning, prepping, and intraoperative workflow coordination
• Maintain preference cards and support compliance with infection control and patient safety standards
• Collaborate with the surgical team throughout procedures to ensure safe, efficient care delivery
• Participate in departmental quality improvement activities and hospital committees as needed
• Conduct comprehensive preoperative patient assessments
• Support anesthesia induction and monitor patient status during procedures
• Provide patient and family education throughout recovery and discharge processes
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of patient care
• Perform daily equipment and supply readiness checks
• Monitor patients recovering from anesthesia and respond appropriately to changes in condition
• Coordinate patient transitions and recovery documentation according to hospital protocols
• Complete pre-admission testing and required documentation
• Provide pre- and post-operative nursing care and patient education
• Support discharge planning and follow-up instruction delivery
Qualifications:
• Current RN license in the State of New Hampshire or ability to obtain
• BLS required; ACLS preferred
• Previous perioperative or circulating RN experience preferred
• Experience with orthopedic and general/laparoscopic surgeries preferred
• Strong communication, critical thinking, and organizational skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced surgical environment
Why Cottage Hospital?
Located in the beautiful Upper Valley region of New Hampshire, Cottage Hospital offers a supportive, close-knit team environment where nurses can build meaningful relationships, expand their skills, and make a direct impact on patient care.
Enjoy exceptional quality of life with nearby hiking, skiing, lakes, and outdoor recreation while working in a collaborative rural healthcare setting.
Cottage Hospital — where you can learn, grow, and give back.
Cottage Hospital is 25-bed critical access hospital located in Woodsville, NH serving the beautiful Upper Connecticut River Valley. The Cottage family has just over 250 employees, 37 active medical staff providers and 35 volunteers.
