Travel Nurse RN - Emergency Room (ER) / Trauma in Ithaca, NY

Registered Nurse (RN) | Emergency Room (ER) / Trauma
Location: Ithaca, NY
Agency: Highland Staffing, LLC
Pay: Competitive weekly pay (inquire for details)
Shift Information: Nights
Contract Duration: 13 Weeks
Start Date: 9/6/2026

About the Position

Job Title

Pre-Operative / Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Registered Nurse for a Pre-Operative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) role at a community hospital in Ithaca, New York. This position is integral to providing high-quality patient care across a diverse range of surgical specialties.

The successful candidate will manage the preparation of patients for various surgical procedures and provide comprehensive post-anesthesia recovery care. Specialties include Neuro, Plastics, ENT, Breast, General, GYN, Urology, Ortho, Vascular, and Endoscopy.

This role requires a commitment to patient safety, critical thinking, and collaborative teamwork within a fast-paced perioperative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough pre-operative patient assessments, including medical history review, vital signs, and patient education.
• Prepare patients for surgery, ensuring all necessary documentation and protocols are followed.
• Provide comprehensive post-anesthesia care, monitoring vital signs, managing pain, and assessing for post-operative complications.
• Administer medications safely and accurately as prescribed.
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare team members to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Educate patients and families on post-operative care instructions and discharge planning.
• Respond promptly and effectively to patient emergencies and changes in condition.

Required Qualifications

• Registered Nurse (RN) licensure.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of recent experience in a Pre-Operative or PACU setting.
• Proficiency in patient assessment, IV insertion, and airway management.

Preferred Qualifications

Not specified.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple patients and priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems.
• Competence in operating standard medical equipment used in pre-operative and PACU settings (e.g., vital sign monitors, IV pumps).
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Shift Details

• Shift Type: Night Shift (NOC)
• Days per Week: Full-time hours (e.g., 3x12s or 4x10s)
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Start Date: 2026-09-06
• End Date: 2026-12-05
• Call Requirement: Approximately 3-4 weeknight calls (9:00 PM - 7:00 AM) and one 24-hour weekend call (7:00 AM - 7:00 AM) within an 8-week period. Call frequency may increase or decrease based on staffing needs.

Licensing Requirements

• Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of New York.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.