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: 8/24/2026

About the Position

Job Title

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

Job Summary

Join a dynamic surgical team at a community hospital in Ithaca, New York, specializing in comprehensive pre-operative and post-anesthesia care. This role involves managing a diverse patient population undergoing a wide range of surgical procedures, including Neuro, Plastics, ENT, Breast, General, GYN, Urology, Ortho, Vascular, and Endoscopy cases.

The successful candidate will provide expert nursing care in a fast-paced environment, ensuring patient safety, comfort, and optimal outcomes from pre-admission assessment through post-operative recovery. This position requires strong clinical judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to adapt to varying patient needs and surgical schedules.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive pre-operative patient assessments, including medical history review, vital sign monitoring, and patient education regarding surgical procedures and recovery expectations.
• Prepare patients for surgery, ensuring all necessary documentation, consents, and pre-operative protocols are completed.
• Provide expert post-anesthesia care, continuously monitoring vital signs, airway patency, pain levels, and neurological status.
• Administer medications safely and effectively, including pain management and antiemetics, according to physician orders and hospital policy.
• Manage post-operative complications and emergencies, initiating appropriate interventions and collaborating with the surgical and anesthesia teams.
• Educate patients and their families on post-operative care, discharge instructions, and potential complications.
• Maintain accurate and thorough electronic health records for all patients.
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, other nurses, and support staff to ensure seamless patient care.

Required Qualifications

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Demonstrated experience in Pre-Operative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) settings.

Preferred Qualifications

Not specified.

Skills & Competencies

• Advanced patient assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in IV insertion, phlebotomy, and medication administration.
• Competency in airway management and ventilator monitoring (basic).
• Ability to interpret cardiac rhythms and manage hemodynamic instability.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize in a high-acuity setting.
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic healthcare environment.
• Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems.

Shift Details

• Shift Type: Night shift (NOC). Specific hours for the contracted NOC shift are not specified.
• Days per week: Not specified.
• Call Requirements: 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 requirements are subject to staffing needs and may increase or decrease.
• Weekend Rotations: Included as part of the call requirement.
• Contract Length: 13 weeks.
• Start Date: August 24, 2026.
• End Date: November 22, 2026.

Licensing Requirements

• Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in New York State.