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Pre Op Rn Jobs in Carlsbad, CA (NOW HIRING)

Pre Op/PACU Registered Nurse - FT

San Diego, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

RN PreOp/PACU Synergy Surgery Center of San Diego is a brand new outpatient surgery center in the Mission Valley area that specializes in Orthopedics. The entire center is new construction with all ...

New

RN - PreOp/PACU

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$55 - $65/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

DISC Surgery Center is seeking a full-time PreOp/PACU RN for our Carlsbad, CA location. This position will have a Monday - Friday schedule. In this position, you will: * Monitor post-operative ...

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Pre Op Rn information

See Carlsbad, CA salary details

$6

$44

$80

How much do pre op rn jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for pre op rn in Carlsbad, CA is $44.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.19 and $56.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Pre Op RN?

Pre Op RNs, or Preoperative Registered Nurses, are specialized nurses who prepare patients for surgery. Their responsibilities include assessing patients' health status, reviewing medical histories, administering medications, starting IV lines, and providing pre-surgical education and emotional support. They ensure that all pre-surgical procedures are completed safely and that patients are ready for their operations, working closely with surgical teams and other healthcare professionals. Pre Op RNs play a critical role in minimizing surgical risks and helping patients feel informed and comfortable before their procedures.

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

To thrive as a Pre Op RN, you need a solid background in preoperative nursing care, patient assessment, and knowledge of surgical procedures, typically supported by a nursing degree and active RN licensure. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), patient monitoring systems, and preoperative assessment tools is essential. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to reassure and educate patients are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate patient preparation, minimize surgical risks, and promote optimal patient outcomes in a high-stakes environment.

What are some common challenges faced by Pre Op RNs, and how can they be managed successfully?

Pre Op RNs often face challenges such as managing tight schedules, coordinating with multiple healthcare professionals, and addressing patients’ anxieties before surgery. To successfully manage these, strong organizational skills, clear communication, and a compassionate approach are essential. Building rapport with patients can help ease their concerns, while collaborating closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical teams ensures procedures run smoothly. Staying adaptable and proactive in anticipating needs can also help Pre Op RNs excel in this fast-paced environment.

How much do pre-op nurses make?

Pre-op registered nurses in Texas typically earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, certifications, and the healthcare facility. Salaries can vary based on location, shift differentials, and additional skills such as patient assessment and IV therapy.

What is the difference between Pre Op Rn vs Post Op Rn?

AspectPre Op RnPost Op Rn
CertificationsRN license, possibly ACLS or PALSRN license, possibly ACLS or PALS
Work EnvironmentPre-surgical assessment areas, clinicsPost-surgical recovery units, hospitals
Job FocusPreparing patients for surgery, assessmentsMonitoring patients after surgery, recovery care

Both Pre Op Rns and Post Op Rns are registered nurses working in surgical settings. Pre Op Rns focus on preparing patients before surgery, while Post Op Rns care for patients after surgery. They share similar credentials and work environments but differ in their patient care timing and responsibilities.

What cities near Carlsbad, CA are hiring for Pre Op Rn jobs?

Cities near Carlsbad, CA with the most Pre Op Rn job openings:

Infographic showing various Pre Op Rn job openings in Carlsbad, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% As Needed, 70% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $92,237 per year, or $44.3 per hour.

Registered Nurse - PreOp/PACU - PRN

NVISION Eye Centers

San Diego, CA

Per diem

Posted 16 hours ago

Posted today


Job description

NVISION® Eye Centers is one of the largest ophthalmology providers in the U.S., with over ninety centers across six states including California, Nevada, Oregon, Arizona, Texas, and Utah. An innovative leader in ophthalmology, we are dedicated to providing the best patient experience through the use of the latest technology and treatment by the most talented and experienced surgeons in the industry. With more than 3,000 eye doctors referring their patients and trusting their own eyes to NVISION surgeons, NVISION Eye Centers is the Eye Doctors' #1 Choice®.

This position is primarily responsible for providing planned and highly skilled nursing care for all of or patients. This position is also responsible for providing continuous patient surveillance, thereby allowing early recognition and immediate emergency treatment of medical or surgical complications, which may arise in any postoperative patient and performing the following duties.


  • Assesses, plans, implements, evaluates and revises the patient’s care plan in accordance with physician’s orders, patient’s needs, and ESCNC Policies and Procedures during intra-operative phase and provides communication from those outside of operating room to those inside operating room.
  • Assures that all documentation is complete and on the patient’s chart, for the scheduled procedure.
  • Completes the Safety Checklist prior to entering the OR, during the procedure and after the procedure with signature, date and time.
  • Sets up supplies and medications, ensures that equipment is clean, safe, and functional and completes checklist which is given to the Facility Manager
  • Reports low stock levels to Clinical Nursing Supervisor or Facility Manager.
  • Completes all forms (i.e., labs, tissue, FDA, billing, waiver of liability for visitors) and logs (i.e., tissue, Lens, temperature/humidity) as appropriate.
  • Assures maintenance of sterile technique where appropriate, in surgery and assisting scrub tech and surgeon.
  • Assures patient comfort and safety, including proper positioning and padding.
  • Demonstrates ability to pre-op and recovers patient as needed based on the staffing pattern for the surgical day.
  • Receives brief report from Pre op RN when the patient is taken to the OR, Assists anesthesiologist in transfer of patient to and from OR, Brings chart and any supplies needed for the patient after discharge to the PACU, Gives brief report to PACU RN when taking the patient from the OR to PACU.
  • Cleans the OR after surgery with the CST and sets up room for the next case before assisting with transfer of the next patient to OR.
  • Assists with proper disposal of all needles, sharps, syringes, and other trash; assists with clean-up of O.R. between cases; and at the end of the day, assists in surgery suite preparation for the next day’s cases.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

  • Must be licensed to practice nursing in the State of CA upon start date

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Ophthalmology experience preferred