Operating Room Per Diem (PRN) Registered Nurse – Immediate Start Opportunity with San Marcos Surgery Center, HCA Healthcare Network

Why Join San Marcos Surgery Center?

At the heart of Central Texas, San Marcos Surgery Center stands as a premier ambulatory surgical facility, delivering cutting‑edge care to thousands of patients each year. As a proud member of HCA Healthcare, the nation’s leading provider of health services, we combine world‑class resources with a deeply personal, family‑oriented approach to patient care. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to heal, to comfort, and to innovate, every day. When you step into our operating rooms, you become part of a legacy recognized by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies—a testament to our unwavering commitment to integrity, compassion, and excellence.

An Overview of the PRN Operating Room Nurse Role

We are seeking an experienced, dedicated Per Diem (PRN) Operating Room Registered Nurse to join our dynamic surgical team. This role is perfect for nurses who thrive in fast‑paced environments, enjoy flexibility, and are passionate about delivering top‑tier perioperative care. As a PRN nurse, you will be called upon to provide critical support during peak case volumes, fill staffing gaps, and ensure each surgery proceeds with the highest standards of safety and efficiency.

Key Highlights of the Position

• Employment Type: Per Diem (PRN) – flexible scheduling based on patient volume and surgical case needs.
• Location: San Marcos Surgery Center, 1200 E. San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, TX.
• Start Date: Immediate – we’re ready for you to step in as soon as you’re cleared.
• Compensation: Competitive hourly rate, reflective of experience and certifications, plus shift differentials for evenings and weekends.
• Reporting To: Director of Perioperative Services.

Core Responsibilities – What You’ll Do Every Day

In this pivotal role you will serve as either a circulating nurse or a scrub nurse, depending on case requirements and your expertise. Your responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Pre‑operative Preparation: Review surgeon preference cards, verify instrument trays, and ensure all necessary equipment is sterilized and functional before the first incision.
• Coordination of the Surgical Field: Act as the primary communication hub between the surgical team, anesthesia providers, and support staff, maintaining a sterile environment while facilitating seamless workflow.
• Patient Advocacy & Safety: Perform comprehensive patient assessments, monitor vital signs, manage medication administration, and adhere strictly to infection‑control protocols.
• Intra‑operative Support: Anticipate the surgeon’s needs by passing instruments, handling specimens, and managing surgical counts to prevent retained items.
• Documentation Excellence: Accurately document all perioperative events, medication administrations, and postoperative instructions in accordance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Post‑operative Transition: Ensure safe hand‑off of patients to the recovery team, provide clear postoperative orders, and communicate any intra‑operative concerns.
• Equipment Management: Conduct routine checks on OR equipment, troubleshoot minor malfunctions, and coordinate with biomedical services for larger issues.
• Continuous Quality Improvement: Participate in case debriefings, contribute ideas for process improvements, and stay current with evidence‑based perioperative practices.

Essential Qualifications – What You Must Have

Our ideal candidate possesses a solid foundation of education, licensure, and hands‑on experience that aligns with the complexities of ambulatory surgery.

• Education: Graduate of an accredited nursing program (Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing).
• Licensure: Active Texas RN license (or compact RN license that permits practice in Texas).
• Experience: Minimum two (2) years of direct operating‑room nursing experience, preferably within an ambulatory surgery center or equivalent fast‑track environment.
• Certifications (Required):
  • Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) – must be current and obtained through an approved provider (online-only certification is not acceptable).
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) – required as per facility standards.
• Certifications (Preferred): Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) credential.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems, surgical instrumentation, and perioperative documentation tools.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to lift and position patients safely, stand for extended periods, and maintain strict aseptic technique throughout procedures.

Preferred Qualifications – What Will Set You Apart

• Experience in multiple specialty areas (ophthalmology, orthopedics, ENT, podiatry, pain management) – showcasing versatility.
• Previous work in a high‑volume, multi‑room surgical suite with up to four concurrent operating rooms.
• Demonstrated leadership in peer training, mentorship, or preceptorship roles.
• Additional certifications such as Perioperative Nursing Course 101 (PNC‑101) or Sterile Processing Certification.
• Fluency in Spanish or another secondary language, enhancing communication with diverse patient populations.

Key Skills & Competencies – The DNA of Success

Beyond formal qualifications, we value certain personal attributes and professional competencies that drive outstanding performance:

• Critical Thinking: Ability to quickly assess changing clinical situations and make sound, evidence‑based decisions.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous management of instrument counts, medication dosages, and documentation.
• Communication: Clear, concise, and respectful interaction with surgeons, anesthesiologists, techs, and patients.
• Team Orientation: Collaborative mindset that fosters a supportive environment and promotes shared success.
• Adaptability: Comfort with fluctuating schedules and the ability to pivot between circulating and scrub roles as needed.
• Resilience: Maintaining composure under pressure while delivering compassionate patient care.

Compensation, Benefits & Perks – What You’ll Receive

We recognize that a rewarding career is more than just a paycheck. While hourly rates for PRN staff are competitive and reflect your expertise, you will also enjoy a comprehensive suite of benefits when you meet eligibility criteria:

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, and vision plans with low or no copays, including prescription drug coverage and telemedicine services.
• Life & Disability: Company‑paid life insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability coverage, and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) benefits.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a generous 100% match on contributions between 3% and 9% of base pay, based on years of service.
• Employee Stock Purchase: Opportunity to purchase HCA Healthcare stock at a discounted rate.
• Education & Professional Development: Tuition assistance, certification reimbursement, student loan repayment options, and access to a robust online learning platform.
• Family‑Centric Programs: Fertility benefits through Progyny, adoption assistance, child and elder‑care resources, and generous paid parental leave.
• Wellness Initiatives: On‑site fitness classes, mindfulness workshops, and employee assistance programs for mental health support.
• Additional Perks: Free AirMed medical transportation, pet insurance, identity theft protection, legal counseling, moving assistance, and exclusive consumer discounts.

Career Growth & Learning – Your Path Forward

At San Marcos Surgery Center, professional advancement is built into our culture. As a PRN nurse, you will have access to:

• Mentorship Programs: Pairing with senior perioperative leaders who can help you refine clinical skills and navigate career pathways.
• Leadership Tracks: Opportunities to transition into charge nurse, OR manager, or educator roles based on performance and interest.
• Specialty Expansion: Cross‑training in additional surgical specialties, enhancing both expertise and marketability.
• Conferences & Workshops: Attendance at national perioperative and nursing conferences, fully funded by the organization.

Work Environment & Culture – The Heartbeat of Our Team

Our surgical suite is more than a collection of operating rooms; it is a community where every member is valued and empowered. Key cultural pillars include:

• Patient‑First Philosophy: Every decision is guided by the goal of delivering compassionate, evidence‑based care.
• Family‑Like Atmosphere: We treat colleagues like family, fostering mutual respect, support, and open communication.
• Innovation & Excellence: Continuous investment in state‑of‑the‑art technology and process improvement initiatives.
• Diversity & Inclusion: A commitment to creating a workplace where all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences are celebrated.
• Recognition & Celebration: Regular acknowledgment of outstanding performance through awards, peer‑nominated accolades, and celebratory events.

Application Process – Take the Next Step

If you are a dedicated operating‑room professional seeking flexible, rewarding PRN work within a supportive and forward‑thinking institution, we want to hear from you. Follow the link below to submit your application, attach your updated resume, and provide a brief cover letter outlining your perioperative experience and why you are excited about joining San Marcos Surgery Center.

Apply Now → Submit Your Application

Equal Opportunity Employer

San Marcos Surgery Center, an HCA Healthcare facility, is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Join Us – Make a Difference Every Day

By becoming part of our PRN team, you’ll not only deliver high‑quality surgical care but also contribute to a culture that values integrity, compassion, and continuous growth. Your expertise will help shape the patient experience, support surgical excellence, and reinforce the legacy of a health system recognized worldwide for ethical leadership.

Ready to transform lives, one procedure at a time? Apply today and start your next chapter with San Marcos Surgery Center.