Position Overview
Southdale Specialty Surgery Center is a premier multi-specialty ambulatory surgery center committed to delivering exceptional patient care in a safe, efficient, and patient-centered environment. We are seeking an experienced, compassionate PRN Registered Nurse to join our PACU/Pre-Op team. This position plays a vital role in preparing patients for procedures and guiding them safely through recovery and discharge.
Job Type
PRN
Department
PACU / Pre-Op
Setting
Ambulatory Surgery Center
Reports To
ASC Manager
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor patients continuously throughout the recovery phase, managing pain, vital signs, and clinical status through discharge.
- Provide thorough patient and family education on diagnoses, procedures performed, post-operative care instructions, and recovery expectations.
- Perform complete patient intake assessments including history, medication reconciliation, allergy verification, and pre-procedure preparation.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR) in accordance with facility and regulatory standards.
- Perform and document lab controls, specimen collection, point-of-care testing, and ongoing monitoring of the laboratory area per protocol.
- Support phone triage, respond to patient messages, process medication refill requests, and assist with prior authorization requirements.
- Conduct post-operative follow-up calls to surgical and procedure patients, assess recovery progress, and escalate concerns as appropriate.
- Participate in facility upkeep and cleaning responsibilities to maintain a safe, compliant, and welcoming patient care environment.
- Collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team on post-operative patient management and facilitate timely referrals and specialized interventions.
- Assist with additional duties and responsibilities as assigned in support of department operations and patient care goals.
Qualifications
Required:
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) licensure in the State of Minnesota or compact state equivalency.
- Minimum of 1-2 years of PACU or perioperative nursing experience in an ambulatory or acute care setting.
- Current BLS certification; ACLS certification required or must be obtained within 90 days of hire.
- Demonstrated competency in IV insertion and infusion therapy.
- Proficiency in pain assessment and evidence-based pain management techniques.
- Working knowledge of discharge planning processes and post-operative patient education.
Preferred:
- Background or coursework in trauma medicine or emergency nursing.
- Familiarity with long-term care coordination and chronic disease management for complex surgical patients.
- Experience in a multi-specialty ASC environment.
- CPAN (Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse) certification or interest in obtaining.
Clinical Skills & Competencies
- Pain assessment and multimodal pain management
- IV access and infusion therapy
- Airway monitoring and management in the post-anesthesia setting
- Point-of-care laboratory testing and specimen handling
- Discharge planning and patient/family education
- EMR proficiency and clinical documentation
- Medication administration and reconciliation
- Phone triage and patient communication
Work Environment
Southdale Specialty Surgery Center is a fast-paced, high-functioning ambulatory surgical environment. Staff are expected to demonstrate flexibility, professional composure, and a strong commitment to patient safety and satisfaction. The PACU/Pre-Op nurse works collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, and administrative staff to ensure seamless patient throughput and outstanding clinical outcomes.
Why Join Our Team
- Competitive compensation commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and retirement.
- Consistent scheduling with no overnight call in an ambulatory setting.
- Collaborative, team-oriented workplace culture with strong physician engagement.
- Opportunity to grow professionally within a dynamic, expanding surgical services organization.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $38.00 - $55.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- What are your salary expectations for this position?
Experience:
- PACU: 3 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Minneapolis, MN 55435 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Minneapolis, MN 55435: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person