Full Time PACU RN, Registered Nurse (Day)

PACU/Pre-Op Registered Nurse (RN)

The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at The George Washington University Hospital provides high-quality, compassionate care for patients immediately following surgical or procedural interventions. Our PACU team specializes in monitoring post-anesthesia recovery, managing pain, and stabilizing patients to ensure a safe transition to inpatient units or discharge. Nurses also play a key role in Pre-Op, preparing patients for surgery with thorough assessments, education, and individualized care planning.

The PACU/Pre-Op Registered Nurse (RN) delivers safe, evidence-based care for patients undergoing surgical procedures. Responsibilities include patient assessment, monitoring hemodynamic stability, airway management, pain control, patient/family education, and coordination with the surgical, anesthesia, and recovery teams. This role requires critical thinking, rapid response skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-centered environment.

Main tasks include providing nursing care to patients in both the PACU and Pre-Op areas, monitoring vital signs, pain levels, and recovery status following anesthesia, preparing patients for surgical procedures, collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other care providers, recognizing and responding quickly to changes in patient condition, and documenting all aspects of patient care accurately in the EMR. Support patients and families with education and reassurance throughout the surgical journey.

The George Washington University Hospital is a 395-bed academic medical center located in the heart of Washington, D.C., in partnership with the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. As a nationally recognized center of clinical excellence and innovation, we provide world-class care across many specialties. Our nurses play a crucial role in shaping the patient experience, contributing to research, and advancing improvements in care outcomes.

Qualifications required include a current RN license in the District of Columbia (or eligible), BLS and ACLS certification (AHA), and a minimum of 1 year of experience in PACU, ICU, or Emergency Department. Preferred qualifications include CPAN or CAPA certification, a BSN from an accredited program, and experience with high-acuity post-operative patients.

Benefits and rewards include a challenging and rewarding work environment, competitive compensation, generous paid time off, excellent medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans, 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan, SoFi student loan refinancing program, tuition savings to continue your nursing education with Chamberlain University, and career development opportunities within UHS and its subsidiaries.