Clinical Nurse II - Department: Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), Day Shift

Job Description

Job Description

Clinical Nurse II, Days – Ambulatory Surgery Center (Preop)

Location: Washington, DC 20060

Role Summary

Howard University Hospital is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) to join our Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Preoperative team. This role is ideal for a clinically strong, highly organized nurse who thrives in a fast-paced, time-sensitive surgical environment.

The RN – ASC/Preop is responsible for comprehensive patient assessment, IV initiation, medication administration, patient education, and ensuring surgical readiness prior to procedures. This position plays a critical role in maintaining patient safety, efficient case flow, and on-time surgical starts.

What You’ll Do

Deliver Safe, High-Quality Preoperative Care

• Perform comprehensive preoperative assessments, including airway, cardiovascular stability, allergies, medications, NPO status, pregnancy risk, and comorbid conditions.
• Identify and escalate high-risk findings to anesthesia and the surgical team.
• Utilize clinical judgment to support safe patient optimization prior to surgery.

Prepare Patients for Surgery

• Initiate IV access and obtain laboratory specimens as ordered.
• Administer preoperative medications in accordance with hospital policy.
• Verify surgical and anesthesia consents.
• Ensure patients are clinically ready for timely procedural start.

Educate & Support Patients and Families

• Provide clear preoperative education regarding the surgical process, pain management, mobility expectations, and discharge planning, as appropriate.
• Reinforce education in a manner appropriate to the patient’s level of understanding.

Promote Safety & Compliance

• Adhere to infection prevention protocols and medication safety standards.
• Document assessments and interventions in the electronic medical record.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and regulatory readiness efforts.

Collaborate Across Teams

• Coordinate closely with anesthesia providers, surgeons, operating room staff, and support personnel.
• Delegate appropriately while maintaining accountability for patient outcomes.
• May serve in a charge nurse capacity as approved by the Nurse Manager.

Required Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Nursing required
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the District of Columbia
• Minimum two (2) years of acute care RN experience required
• Experience in Preop, PACU, Emergency Department, or Medical-Surgical nursing preferred
• Demonstrated competency in IV initiation and vascular access
• Ability to manage high-volume throughput and time-sensitive workflows
• Current BLS and ACLS certification required
• CAPA certification preferred

About Howard University Hospital

Howard University Hospital is a nationally recognized academic medical center located in Washington, DC. As a teaching hospital affiliated with Howard University, we are committed to excellence in patient care, education, and community service. Our teams deliver high-quality, compassionate care to diverse patient populations while advancing health equity and clinical innovation.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits
• Retirement savings plans
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities
• Supportive and collaborative clinical environment

Pay + Schedule

• Pay Range: $37.89 – $63.36 per hour
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, 6:00 am–2:30 pm
• Call: Nights and weekends required
• Status: Full-Time (40 hours/week)

Compliance Statements

Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected status under applicable law.