Pre-Op​/PACU Registered Nurse

Overview

RN Pre Op/PACU

Position Summary:

The Pre-Op / PACU Registered Nurse (RN) provides high-quality, patient-centered care throughout the peri-anesthesia continuum, including preoperative preparation and post-anesthesia recovery. This role demands clinical excellence, critical thinking, and the ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
. The RN ensures safe, efficient, and compassionate care for patients undergoing procedures requiring varying levels of sedation and anesthesia.

Pre-Operative Phase:

• Perform comprehensive preoperative assessments, including medical history, medications, allergies, and baseline vital signs.
• Initiate IV access and ensure accurate labeling and documentation of all medications administered.
• Review procedural consents, verify patient identity, and participate in the surgical safety process.
• Provide education to patients and families regarding the surgical experience, and expectations.
• Collaborate with anesthesia providers, surgeons, and other team members to ensure readiness for surgery.

Post-Anesthesia Care (PACU) Phase:

• Monitor, assess, and manage patients recovering from anesthesia or sedation (local, MAC, general).
• Recognize and respond promptly to changes in patient status, including respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological functions.
• Perform airway management, including oral/nasal airway placement and oxygen therapy as needed.
• Interpret and respond to EKG and hemodynamic data appropriately.
• Administer medications safely per physician and anesthesia orders.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the electronic medical record.
• Support pain management and comfort measures through pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic interventions.
• Collaborate with anesthesia, surgical, and recovery staff to ensure smooth transitions of care.

Licensure:

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in state of practice (in good standing).

Certifications:

• BLS (Basic Life Support) – required
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) – required
• PALS – preferred (depending on patient population)

Education:

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing (BSN preferred)

Experience:

• Minimum 1–2 years of recent experience in Pre-Op, PACU, Critical Care, PCU, or Emergency Nursing required
• Proficiency in EKG interpretation, IV initiation, and airway management required.
• Experience with patients under various sedation and anesthesia levels strongly preferred.

• High-volume preoperative and PACU setting.
• Requires rapid response and continuous vigilance in a time-sensitive environment.
• Frequent standing, bending, and lifting of patients and equipment.
• Involves direct contact with patients under various anesthesia levels, including moderate and deep sedation.