The Pre-op/PACU RN plays a vital role in perioperative nursing, providing comprehensive care before and after anesthesia during elective surgeries and outpatient procedures. Working within a multidisciplinary team and collaborating closely with anesthesiologists, this nurse ensures patient safety and comfort through vigilant monitoring, medication administration, and patient education. Reporting to the Nurse Manager, the Pre-op/PACU RN manages a moderate patient load of 4-6 patients per shift without the need for on-call or overtime duty.
Responsibilities
- Provide thorough preoperative care and preparation for patients undergoing elective and outpatient procedures
- Deliver vigilant post-anesthesia care and monitor patient recovery in the PACU
- Assess vital signs and manage pain effectively throughout the perioperative process
- Administer medications and perform IV therapy as prescribed
- Respond promptly to emergencies and implement appropriate interventions
- Document patient care and progress accurately in Electronic Health Records (EHR)
- Collaborate with anesthesiologists and other multidisciplinary team members
- Prepare and maintain necessary equipment for surgical procedures
- Educate patients about pre- and post-operative care and discharge planning
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 3 years experience in perioperative nursing
- Associate or Bachelor's degree in Nursing
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification
- Basic Life Support (BLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certifications
- Proficient in patient assessment, IV therapy, and anesthesia recovery care
- Experience using Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems
- Strong critical thinking, communication, teamwork, and time management skills
Company Description
We are a Free Standing ambulatory surgery center. Currently, we have 7 surgeons, and seven employees specializing in ENT- Otolaryngology. We perform cases Monday through Wednesday 7am-3pm. Thursday and Fridays are for preparing for the next week along with education and inservices.