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Post Op Rn Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview We are seeking a Pre-Op/Post-Op LPN to join our Ambulatory Surgery Center team. Working alongside RNs, anesthesiologists, and physicians, you will provide high-quality patient care ...

Longer shifts (hospice, medical escorts, post-op care) @ $70.00 per hour Why work for Privatus ... Required: * Valid CT RN License * A minimum of two years of current RN experience in home care ...

Longer shifts (hospice, medical escorts, post-op care) @ $70.00 per hour Why work for Privatus ... Required: * Valid CT RN License * A minimum of two years of current RN experience in home care ...

Showing results 21-40

Post Op Rn information

What is a post op RN?

Post Op RNs, or Postoperative Registered Nurses, are specialized nurses who care for patients recovering from surgery. They monitor vital signs, manage pain, watch for complications, and help patients transition safely from the operating room to recovery. Their role is essential for ensuring patients are stable after surgery and receive the necessary education and support for a successful recovery.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a post op RN, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Post Op RN, you need strong clinical assessment abilities, a nursing degree, RN licensure, and knowledge of post-anesthesia care protocols. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), patient monitoring systems, and pain management tools is typically required. Excellent communication, quick decision-making, and empathy help you support patients recovering from surgery and collaborate with surgical teams. These skills ensure safe, effective care and optimal patient recovery during the critical postoperative period.

What are some common challenges faced by post op RNs, and how can I prepare for them before starting this role?

As a Post Op RN, you'll often encounter fast-paced situations that require quick decision-making and strong prioritization skills, especially when monitoring patients for complications after surgery. Managing pain, preventing infection, and ensuring smooth patient recoveries are central to the role, which can be challenging due to varying patient needs and responses. Building confidence in assessment skills, staying updated on post-operative protocols, and practicing effective communication with the surgical team will help you excel. Many facilities also offer mentorship or orientation programs to help new Post Op RNs transition smoothly into the role.

What is the difference between Post Op Rn vs Surgical Nurse?

AspectPost Op RnSurgical Nurse
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN), specialized in post-operative careRegistered Nurse (RN), with surgical experience
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, recovery unitsOperating rooms, surgical wards, clinics
Job FocusMonitoring recovery, managing pain, patient education post-surgeryAssisting during surgeries, pre- and post-operative patient care

Post Op RNs primarily focus on caring for patients after surgery, ensuring safe recovery and managing complications. Surgical Nurses assist during surgeries and provide pre- and post-operative care. Both roles require RN licensure and surgical knowledge, but Post Op RNs specialize in post-surgical recovery, while Surgical Nurses are more involved in the operative process.

How much do post-op RNs get paid?

Post-op RNs typically earn an average annual salary ranging from $65,000 to $85,000, depending on experience, location, and healthcare facility. Salaries can be higher in urban areas or specialized surgical units, and additional certifications may influence pay rates.
Infographic showing various Post Op Rn job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.

RN Breast Wellness - Full Time - 40 Hours

Griffin Hospital

Derby, CT • On-site

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Griffin Hospital rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

722nd of 1,061 rated hospitals


Job description

Griffin Health Breast Surgery RN

Griffin Health is an independent, not-for-profit healthcare system in Derby, Connecticut, dedicated to person-centered, high-quality care for over 130,000 residents. Anchored by Griffin Hospital—a 160-bed acute care community teaching hospital and Planetree International's flagship facility—Griffin Health emphasizes kindness, respect, and active patient engagement.

Recognized nationally and internationally for clinical excellence, patient satisfaction, and social responsibility, Griffin has earned honors such as Newsweek's "World's Best Hospital" list for the last 5 consecutive years, LOWN Institute's top state ranking for outcomes, and Becker's "100 Best Community Hospitals" designation, as well as Fortune's Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For". The organization fosters a supportive, wellness-focused work environment with programs like Griffin AgeLess, empowering caregivers to thrive physically, emotionally, and professionally. Through innovation, community outreach, health education, and food-security initiatives, Griffin Health advances whole-person healing and strengthens the communities it serves.

Griffin's suburban atmosphere offers an easy commute, away from congested cities with easy to find free parking. Employees can also take advantage of generous benefits and wellness programs that add distinct advantage in its employee compensation.

Main Function:

Breast Surgery is a highly specialized clinical environment that requires strong assessment skills, complex patient triage, and multidisciplinary coordination.

  1. Advanced Clinical Assessment

Breast surgery patients often present with:

  • Post-operative complications
  • Lymphedema symptoms
  • Drain issues
  • Signs of infection
  • Acute changes requiring rapid decision-making

RNs are licensed to perform full assessments and make independent clinical judgments, which is critical in determining urgency and escalating appropriately.

  1. Triage & Clinical Decision-Making

RN-level triage is required for:

  • Post-op pain changes
  • New masses
  • Abnormal imaging follow-up
  • Post-surgical complications
  • Chemotherapy or radiation-related symptoms (for oncology-linked cases)
  1. In-Office Procedures

Breast surgery clinics often require RN support for:

  • Seroma aspirations
  • Drain management and education
  • Suture/staple removal
  • Complex wound care
  • Assisting in biopsies and other in-office procedures
  1. Coordination of High-Risk & Oncology Pathways

Breast surgery involves complex navigation:

  • Coordination with oncology, genetics, plastics, radiology
  • Reviewing and understanding pathology
  • Managing fast-track abnormal imaging notifications
  • Supporting high-risk or survivorship pathways

These tasks require the clinical knowledge and decision-making ability of an RN.

  1. Education & Psychosocial Support

Breast patients often require intensive education and support regarding:

  • Cancer diagnoses
  • Surgical options
  • Drain care
  • Recovery expectations
  • Pre-/post-op instructions
  • Risk-reduction strategies

RNs are trained for therapeutic communication, complex teaching, and emotional support—skills.

  1. Regulatory, Safety, & Compliance Requirements

Breast surgery care must align with:

  • Commission on Cancer guidelines
  • Nurse practice acts
  • Documentation and assessment standards
  • Oncology and surgical protocols

RNs help maintain compliance due to their broader legal responsibilities and training.

Advanced clinical assessment of breast symptoms, post-op complications, drains, wounds, and infection.

High-level triage skills to determine urgency and escalate concerns appropriately.

Expertise in breast-specific procedures, including assisting with biopsies, managing drains, performing dressing changes, and recognizing seroma/hematoma.

Strong patient education abilities for pre-op, post-op, survivorship, and high-risk patients.

Therapeutic communication to support patients facing cancer diagnoses or complex emotional needs.

Care coordination across imaging, oncology, radiation, genetics, and plastic surgery.

Understanding of pathology and imaging reports to support timely follow-up and provider workflows.

Compliance and documentation proficiency aligned with surgical, oncology, and safety standards.

Provide specialized support to patients. The nurse plays a critical role in helping patients understand new diagnoses and communicates the results of imaging studies (mammograms, ultrasound, MRI) and pathology directly to patients. This role ensures timely patient education, emotional support, and continuity of care.

Qualifications Licenses & Certifications Required

Registered Nurse

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.


What Griffin Hospital employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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Griffin Hospital logo

About Griffin Hospital

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Griffin Hospital is a 160 Bed Acute Care Community Hospital serving more than 130,000 residents of the Lower Naugatuck Valley Region. Griffin Hospital also serves as the flagship Hospital for Planetree, an International Leader in Patient Centered care and has received National Recognition for creating a Healthcare Facilities and an approach to patient care that is responsive to the needs of patients. Many healthcare organizations around the world send visitors to Griffin Hospital’s facilities and Incorporate its Planetree concepts into their Healthcare models. A Not for Profit, Tax exempt subsidiary of the Griffin Health Services Corporation, Griffin Hospital is affiliated with the Yale School of Medicine, The Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, and accredited by The Joint Commission. Griffin Hospital has more than 300 active and courtesy Physicians who have admitting privileges. Griffin Hospital has received numerous Quality and Clinical excellence Awards, and has been recognized for providing exceptional patient experience. It is the only hospital to be named to FORTUNE Magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list for ten consecutive years, the only Connecticut hospital recognized four times by the Joint Commission as a Top Quality Performer on key quality measures, and a recipient of The Leapfrog Group’s A Grade for Patient Safety for six consecutive periods Spring 2014, Spring and Fall 2015, Spring and Fall 2016, and Spring 2017.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Derby, CT, US

Year founded

1909

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