Charge RN Operating Room
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Lexington, KY, 40509
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 31.5-45.68 HOUR
Date Posted : 3 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
As our Charge Nurse at CHI Saint Joseph Health, you'll assist a department of frontline nurses caring for patients. Your previous experience in acute care adds tremendous value to our nursing team and every interaction is an opportunity to improve your understanding of a patient's needs, the needs of your nursing team, and the needs of your unit. You'll advocate for your fellow nurses as you support them in reaching their full potential.
Your success in this role comes from being accountable, calm and confident. You're an excellent communicator in 1:1 interactions and in front of groups. You’ll be a trusted educator and resource for your team, taking control of situations before they escalate and being comfortable holding tough conversations.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Ability to serve as leader and teammate
- Ensure your teammates and department are positioned to deliver the best care possible to our patients
- High level of engagement with the floor- visibly connecting with nurses, patients, and families
- Mentor team members and share your knowledge and confidence
- Collaborate with a variety of other healthcare professionals such as social work, care coordination, physical therapy, occupational therapy, lab, respiratory therapy, and imaging
Required Education and Experience
- Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN/ASN) from an accredited school of nursing.
Required Licensure and Certifications
- Current RN license in the State of Kentucky
- Basic Life Support (BLS) via the American Heart Association (AHA)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) via the American Heart Association (AHA) within 3 months of hire
PREFERRED Qualifications
- 2 years RN experience
- Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN)
Welcome to Saint Joseph East, a 217-bed, full-service, community hospital located in a convenient setting in Lexington, Kentucky. Saint Joseph East also includes the Women's Hospital at Saint Joseph East which is dedicated to supporting the well-being of women in Central and Eastern Kentucky and serves a 16-bed Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Whether you are an experienced healthcare professional or working toward that, we invite you to experience Hello Humankindness with us! CHI Saint Joseph Health provides you with the same level of care you provide for others. Learn more about Saint Joseph East and its awards and recognitions here: Saint Joseph East
Our commitment to serve the common good is delivered through the dedicated work of thousands of physicians advanced practice clinicians nurses and staff; through clinical excellence delivered across a system of 140 hospitals and more than 2200 care centers serving 24 states.
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Frequently asked questions
This position actively collaborates with professionals like social workers, therapists, and lab technicians to ensure comprehensive patient care. The Charge RN Operating Room at Catholic Health Initiatives in Lexington fosters teamwork across departments, enhancing outcomes through coordinated efforts in a high-paced surgical environment.
In Lexington, employers highly value RN licensure along with BLS and ACLS certifications from the American Heart Association. These credentials are essential for Charge RNs in operating rooms to meet regional healthcare standards and effectively handle critical patient care scenarios.
Strong communication, decisiveness, and the ability to mentor peers distinguish successful Charge RNs. Leading calmly under pressure and proactively managing the operating room flow are vital, especially in a bustling Lexington hospital setting where efficient teamwork impacts patient safety.
Catholic Health Initiatives encourages professional growth through ongoing education and leadership development programs. Charge RNs at Saint Joseph East can leverage these resources to expand their clinical expertise and pursue higher roles within the nursing and healthcare management hierarchy.
Charge RNs in operating rooms around Lexington generally earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually, depending on experience and certifications. This range aligns well with regional healthcare compensation trends, reflecting the specialized skills required for managing surgical nursing teams.
Charge RNs in operating rooms juggle both clinical care and leadership, overseeing surgical team coordination and patient safety. Unlike bedside nursing roles, they handle emergent issues, mentor staff, and ensure smooth procedural flow, especially critical in facilities like Saint Joseph East.
Lexington's growing healthcare facilities and community hospitals drive steady demand for skilled operating room nurses. The presence of specialized units like neonatal intensive care further elevates the need for experienced Charge RNs to maintain high standards in surgical care.
Catholic Health Initiatives emphasizes humankindness and collaboration, which shapes its workplace culture. Charge RNs here often navigate complex interdisciplinary teams and high patient volumes, requiring adaptability and strong interpersonal skills distinct from other Lexington healthcare employers.
New graduates face moderate competition due to the specialized nature of operating room roles. However, hospitals like Saint Joseph East often offer residency programs and mentorship, easing entry for capable new Charge RNs committed to developing acute care proficiency.
While acute care experience is highly valued and often preferred, some positions may consider strong clinical skills and relevant certifications as a foundation. Demonstrating readiness to lead and manage OR teams can sometimes offset limited prior acute care tenure.