Registered Nurse (RN) Float Nurse - Surgery (Per Diem) - Job ID 232806

The RN Float Nurse - Surgery (Per Diem) provides professional nursing care throughout the perioperative continuum and supports various surgical service areas as needed. This role is responsible for delivering safe, patient-centered care while floating between assigned surgical units, including Pre-Operative, Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), Same-Day Surgery, and other perioperative departments based on staffing and patient care needs.

The RN collaborates with physicians, anesthesia providers, surgical staff, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes, efficient patient flow, and compliance with hospital policies and regulatory requirements.

Clinical Care

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and nursing evaluations.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate individualized patient care plans.
• Administer medications, treatments, and intravenous therapies in accordance with physician orders and nursing standards.
• Assess and monitor patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.
• Recognize and respond promptly to changes in patient condition and emergencies.
• Document patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR).

Float Responsibilities

• Provide nursing coverage across multiple perioperative and surgical care areas as assigned.
• Adapt quickly to varying patient populations, workflows, and department needs.
• Maintain competency in all designated surgical service areas.
• Ensure continuity of care during staffing shortages, census fluctuations, and employee absences.

Patient Safety & Quality

• Adhere to infection prevention and patient safety standards.
• Verify patient identification, surgical procedures, and informed consents.
• Participate in time-out procedures and other patient safety initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with hospital policies, Joint Commission standards, and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, advanced practice providers, and ancillary staff.
• Provide patient and family education regarding procedures, recovery expectations, and discharge instructions.
• Participate in interdisciplinary rounds and handoff communications.
• Serve as a resource and mentor for less experienced staff when appropriate.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain current professional licensure, certifications, and required competencies.
• Attend mandatory education and departmental meetings.
• Demonstrate flexibility in scheduling, including availability for weekends, holidays, and on-call assignments when required.
• Support departmental quality improvement initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of two (2) years of recent acute care hospital RN experience Preferred.
• Previous experience in Surgery, PACU, Pre-Op, Same-Day Surgery, or Perioperative Services preferred.
• Float pool experience preferred.

Licensure & Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required or obtained within designated hospital timeframe.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) preferred if caring for pediatric surgical patients.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Knowledge of perioperative nursing standards and surgical procedures.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple patient assignments.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
• Ability to adapt to changing patient care environments and staffing needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, move, and position patients and equipment in accordance with hospital safety guidelines.
• Frequent bending, reaching, pushing, and pulling.
• Must be able to respond rapidly during emergency situations.

Work Environment

• Acute Care Hospital Setting.
• Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and surgical equipment.
• Fast-paced perioperative environment requiring flexibility and attention to detail.
• Variable work hours based on departmental staffing needs and patient volume.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Hospital is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

Job Type: Per Diem (PRN)
Department: Surgery Services
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Pay Range: Based on experience, certifications, and market conditions.