Pre-Op/PACU Registered Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

Job Description Job Title:

Pre-Op/PACU RN

Department:

Clinical

Reports to:

Director of Nursing

Location:

Sonoran ASC

Job Summary

The Pre-Op/PACU Registered Nurse provides direct, patient-centered nursing care before procedures and during Phase I and Phase II recovery at Sonoran ASC. The RN assesses patient readiness, implements the nursing plan of care, administers ordered medications and treatments, monitors recovery from anesthesia or sedation, and prepares patients and caregivers for a safe discharge. This position works under the direction of the Director of Nursing and collaborates with the Charge Nurse, providers, anesthesia professionals, and clinical team to support patient safety and continuity of care.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None. This is a direct patient care position. The RN communicates patient care and workflow concerns to the Charge Nurse or Director of Nursing and may assist with peer orientation within demonstrated competency.

Duties/Responsibilities

Preoperative Nursing Care

• Complete and document preoperative assessments, including health history, medications, allergies, baseline vital signs, pain, fall risk, and other required screenings.
• Verify patient identity, scheduled procedure and site, provider orders, required consents, history and physical, diagnostic results, NPO status, and discharge transportation arrangements. Escalate discrepancies before proceeding.
• Assess readiness for the procedure; promptly communicate abnormal findings, changes in condition, or incomplete requirements to the provider, anesthesia professional, and Charge Nurse as appropriate.
• Prepare the patient and care area; establish IV access, obtain ordered specimens or point-of-care testing, and administer preoperative medications and IV fluids within orders and demonstrated competency.
• Explain the preoperative and recovery process, address patient and caregiver questions, and provide a complete handoff to the receiving procedure or anesthesia team.

Post Anesthesia Care and Recovery

• Receive a structured handoff from the anesthesia professional and procedure team, including the procedure performed, anesthesia or sedation, medications, complications, and recovery orders.
• Provide Phase I and Phase II recovery care within validated competency. Assess airway, breathing, circulation, level of consciousness, vital signs, oxygenation, pain, nausea, hydration, and the procedure site.
• Monitor patients at the frequency and level required by their condition, anesthesia or sedation, provider orders, and facility policy. Recognize deterioration and promptly initiate appropriate interventions and escalation.
• Administer ordered medications, oxygen, IV fluids, and other treatments; evaluate and document patient response and promptly report unresolved symptoms or adverse reactions.
• Promote comfort, privacy, and safety; protect patients from falls and injury and assist with mobility, positioning, and personal needs during recovery.

Discharge and Patient Education

• Assess and document readiness for discharge using facility-approved criteria. Obtain required discharge authorization and escalate unmet criteria or concerns before release.
• Provide individualized verbal and written instructions covering medications, pain management, activity restrictions, procedure-site care, warning signs, follow-up, and when and how to seek assistance.
• Confirm patient and caregiver understanding using teach-back when appropriate, and verify a responsible adult and safe transportation when required.
• Complete discharge documentation and assigned post-discharge follow-up calls; communicate concerns through the appropriate clinical pathway.

Medication Safety and Emergency Response

• Prepare, administer, and document medications and IV therapies according to provider orders, facility policy, and demonstrated competency; verify allergies, dose, route, timing, labeling, expiration, and compatibility.
• Follow medication security, controlled-substance accountability, reconciliation, and witnessed wasting procedures as assigned.
• Recognize airway compromise, oversedation, bleeding, hemodynamic instability, allergic reactions, and other emergencies; initiate emergency response within training and competency and assist with transfer to a higher level of care.
• Perform assigned checks of emergency carts, oxygen, suction, monitors, and other recovery equipment; promptly report deficiencies and participate in emergency drills.

Documentation and Clinical Support

• Personally complete accurate, timely nursing documentation under the RN’s own credentials, including assessments, monitoring, medications, interventions, communications, handoffs, education, outcomes, and discharge.
• Follow infection-prevention practices, hand hygiene, aseptic technique, sharps safety, exposure-control procedures, and required use of personal protective equipment.
• Maintain clean, organized, and stocked Pre-Op and PACU areas; clean and prepare patient spaces and equipment between patients according to facility policy.
• Communicate patient acuity, readiness, delays, and coverage needs to the Charge Nurse; provide clear handoffs before transferring care or leaving the assigned patient care area.
• Report safety events, near misses, equipment concerns, and changes in patient condition promptly. Participate in assigned quality improvement activities, chart reviews, education, and competency validation.
• Protect patient confidentiality and follow facility policies and applicable privacy and workplace safety requirements. Perform other duties within the RN role and demonstrated competency as assigned.

Professional Expectations

• Maintain required licensure, certifications, health clearances, continuing education, and role-specific competencies; promptly report any lapse or restriction affecting the ability to practice.
• Demonstrate dependable attendance, professional conduct, sound judgment, respectful communication, and effective teamwork.
• Accept assignments only within authorized scope and demonstrated competency, and promptly communicate patient safety or assignment concerns to nursing leadership.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong patient assessment, IV therapy, medication administration, recovery monitoring, and emergency-response skills.
• Ability to recognize changes following anesthesia or sedation, prioritize care, and respond calmly and promptly to clinical concerns.
• Clear communication and patient teaching skills, including safe handoffs and collaboration with providers, anesthesia professionals, and nursing staff.
• Ability to use electronic health records, patient monitors, point-of-care testing equipment, and common Pre-Op and PACU equipment.
• Ability to manage multiple patient care priorities while maintaining patient safety, accurate documentation, and respectful care.

Education

• Associate Degree in Nursing or higher from an accredited nursing program; Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred.
• Current, active, unrestricted Arizona RN license or valid multistate compact privilege authorizing practice in Arizona.
• Current Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certifications.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support certification if required by the facility’s patient population, services, or policy.
• Two years of recent RN clinical experience with an emphasis in PACU, perioperative nursing, critical care, or emergency care preferred. Ambulatory surgery center experience preferred.
• Successful completion of required screening, health clearances, orientation, and Pre-Op/PACU competency validation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and remain attentive while observing patients.
• Ability to use hands for IV insertion, medication preparation, equipment operation, and electronic documentation.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds routinely and assist with patient transfers, positioning, and emergency response using appropriate equipment and assistance.
• Visual, auditory, and communication abilities sufficient to assess patients, read medication labels and monitors, recognize alarms, and respond promptly.
• Potential exposure to blood, body fluids, infectious materials, anesthetic agents, cleaning chemicals, and other clinical hazards, requiring appropriate protective measures.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.