Pre & Post Operative PACU RN - Day Shift

Key Responsibilities

• Pre-Operative Care
  • Conduct pre-operative assessments including medical history, medication review, allergies, and vital signs.
  • Ensure proper documentation, consent verification, and patient readiness for surgery.
  • Provide patient and family education regarding surgical procedures, anesthesia, and recovery expectations.
  • Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OR staff to optimize surgical preparation.
• Post-Operative Care (PACU / Surgical Unit)
  • Monitor patients emerging from anesthesia, assessing respiratory status, pain levels, surgical site condition, and vitals.
  • Administer medications including pain management and post-anesthesia drugs as prescribed.
  • Recognize and respond to complications such as airway obstruction, bleeding, or abnormal vital signs.
  • Provide emotional support and education to patients and families during recovery.
  • Document assessments, interventions, and patient responses in the electronic health record accurately and promptly.
• General Responsibilities
  • Communicate effectively with the interdisciplinary team to coordinate care and ensure continuity.
  • Maintain a safe and clean environment adhering to infection control and hospital protocols.
  • Participate in shift hand-offs, bedside reporting, and staff meetings.
  • Support and mentor newer staff or students as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Licensure: Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in [State] or Compact License.
• Experience: Minimum 1 year of acute care RN experience, preferably in pre-op, PACU, or surgical/medical-surgical settings.
• Education: Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing (ADN required; BSN preferred).
• Certifications:
  • BLS (Basic Life Support) - required.
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - required or must obtain within 3 months of hire.
  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) - required or must obtain within 3 months of hire

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in pre-operative, PACU, or surgical nursing.
• Strong IV insertion and airway management skills.
• Familiarity with electronic health record systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner).
• Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) or Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) preferred.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to lift and move patients and equipment (up to 50 lbs).
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and moving during 12-hour night shifts.
• Exposure to surgical patients, medications, blood/body fluids, and medical equipment.
• Fast-paced environment requiring rapid assessment and decision-making skills.

Schedule & Shift Details

• Shift: Full-Time Day Shift (typically 6:00 PM - 6:00 AM, depending on unit need).
• Weekends & Holidays: Rotation required.
• On-Call: May be required depending on surgical volume and unit staffing.