Travel Nurse RN - Emergency Room (ER) / Trauma - $2,851 per week in Ithaca, NY

Registered Nurse (RN) | Emergency Room (ER) / Trauma
Location: Ithaca, NY
Agency: Highland Staffing, LLC
Pay: $2,851 per week
Shift Information: Nights - 5 days x 8 hours
Contract Duration: 13 Weeks
Start Date: 11/1/2026

About the Position

Job Title

Registered Nurse - Preoperative & Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Job Summary

Community Hospital in Ithaca, New York, is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse for its Preoperative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at its main campus. This vital role involves providing comprehensive care to patients undergoing a wide range of surgical procedures across 7 operating rooms.

The successful candidate will manage patient care from pre-operative assessment and preparation through post-anesthesia recovery, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and safety. Specialties supported include Neuro, Plastics, ENT, Breast, General, GYN, Urology, Ortho, Vascular, and Endoscopy.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive pre-operative patient assessments, including medical history review, vital signs, and readiness for surgery.
• Prepare patients for surgical procedures, ensuring all necessary documentation and consents are complete.
• Provide post-anesthesia care, closely monitoring patients' vital signs, pain levels, and recovery progress.
• Administer medications as prescribed, including pain management and antiemetics.
• Manage airways, provide respiratory support, and address potential post-operative complications.
• Educate patients and families on post-operative care instructions and discharge planning.
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare team members to ensure coordinated patient care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient care activities in the electronic health record.

Required Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Experience in a Preoperative and/or Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) setting.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Not specified.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficiency in patient assessment, monitoring, and critical care interventions.
• Expertise in airway management and respiratory support.
• Strong skills in pain management and medication administration.
• Ability to interpret cardiac rhythms and manage hemodynamic stability.
• Competency with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple patients in a fast-paced environment.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Shift Details

• Shift Type: Nights (NOC)
• Shift Duration: 8 hours per shift
• Days per Week: 5 days
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Start Date: November 1, 2026
• End Date: January 30, 2027
• 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 frequency may vary based on staffing needs.
• Holiday Call: Required as scheduled.

Licensing Requirements

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