Job Summary
We are seeking a dynamic and compassionate Pre-Operative / PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) Registered Nurse to join our vibrant surgical and recovery team. In this vital role, you will prepare patients for surgery, monitor their recovery post-operation, and ensure a seamless continuum of care. Your expertise will help reduce patient anxiety, promote safety, and facilitate optimal recovery outcomes. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work in a fast-paced environment where your critical thinking and clinical skills make a real difference in patients’ lives.
Duties
- Assess patient health status through detailed physical examinations, vital signs, and medical history review prior to surgery.
- Prepare patients for procedures by explaining processes, ensuring understanding, and addressing concerns with empathy and clarity.
- Administer medications including IV infusions, analgesics, and sedation while adhering to aseptic techniques and hospital protocols.
- Monitor patients closely during recovery using advanced equipment such as ventilators, telemetry monitors, and infusion pumps; respond swiftly to any signs of distress or complications.
- Perform catheter care, ostomy management, and other post-operative procedures with precision and attention to infection control standards.
- Document all patient interactions accurately in electronic health records (EHR/EHR systems) while maintaining strict compliance with HIPAA regulations.
- Assist in discharge planning by providing patient education on medication administration, wound care, mobility exercises, and follow-up appointments; ensure safe transfer from the recovery area to appropriate care settings such as home or long-term care facilities.
Qualifications
- Valid RN license with current registration in the state of practice.
- Proven experience working in perioperative settings including OR experience or PACU environments; trauma center experience preferred.
- Strong knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, aseptic techniques, and critical care procedures such as airway management and acute pain management.
- Familiarity with EMR/EHR systems like Epic or Cerner for accurate documentation; experience with ICD coding (ICD-10/ICD-9) is advantageous.
- Skilled in IV insertion, venipuncture, suturing, catheterization (including Foley catheters), specimen collection/processing, and sterile processing protocols.
- Experience working with diverse patient populations including pediatrics, geriatrics (including memory care), individuals with disabilities or developmental disabilities; familiarity with hospice & palliative medicine is a plus.
- Ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes environments such as Level I & II trauma centers or emergency medicine units; ICU experience highly valued.
- Knowledge of infection control practices and compliance with NCQA standards for quality assurance.
- Excellent communication skills combined with a compassionate approach to patient care; ability to triage effectively during urgent situations.
Join us to make a meaningful impact through expert nursing care in a supportive environment that values your skills!
Pay: From $30.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
