PreOp/PACU Registered Nurse

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary – Pre-Op

Performs pre-operative telephone assessments of patients scheduled for surgery and ensures all required documentation is complete prior to the surgery date. Coordinates with the Nurse Administrator and/or on-site anesthesiologist to verify patient suitability for a free-standing surgical center. Provides high-quality PACU nursing care, including physical assessments, monitoring hemodynamic and airway status, responding to clinical changes, and educating patients and families prior to discharge.

Utilizes initiative, maintains productivity, demonstrates professionalism, teamwork, and resourcefulness, and adheres to all regulatory and facility standards.

Duties and Responsibilities – Pre-Op

· Oversees daily operations of the Pre-Op area, ensuring adequate staffing, patient flow, and timely chart review.

· Serves as first point of contact for clinical questions from staff, anesthesia, and surgeons.

· Provides real-time support for problem-solving, patient concerns, and coordination between front desk, anesthesia, and clinical staff.

· Ensures regulatory and safety standards are maintained, including documentation accuracy, infection control, and medication handling.

Standard Pre-Op Responsibilities

1. Completes all morning checks including refrigerator temperatures, med gas levels, glucometer and pregnancy test controls, and participates in the daily narcotic count with another RN.

2. Makes pre-operative calls to all patients and completes the Health Questionnaire.

3. Gathers required data such as labs, EKGs, and H&Ps for each patient chart.

4. Performs pre-operative teaching with patients.

5. Maintains daily logs of completed pre-op calls and reports received.

6. Coordinates chart review by the Nurse Administrator and/or anesthesiologist and follows up on additional orders.

8. Documents all communications with physician offices in the pre-op testing log.

9. Documents all relevant patient communications in the patient chart.

10. Maintains strong communication with physician offices and patients.

11. Ensures strict patient confidentiality.

12. Assists the front desk with answering phones and routing calls.

13. Demonstrates professionalism, ability to prioritize, and strong interpersonal skills.

14. Ensures all assigned job duties are completed efficiently.

15. Assists in Pre-Op, Phase I, or Phase II as needed during high-volume times.

16. Supports the goals of DOSC, including excellence in customer relations, cost containment, quality initiatives, attendance standards, professionalism, safety, and infection control compliance.

Job Summary – PACU

Responsible for delivering PACU nursing care, including physical assessments, monitoring hemodynamic and airway status, providing direct care, evaluating patient response, and educating patients and families prior to discharge. Maintains compliance with regulatory and facility standards, demonstrates professional initiative, and functions as a resource and team member.

Duties and Responsibilities – PACU

· Collaborates with anesthesia and surgeons to resolve clinical concerns promptly.

· Addresses scheduling issues, break coverage, and redistribution of staff resources as needed.

· Ensures compliance with all PACU policies, recovery scoring systems, medication management, and discharge criteria.

· Monitors supply levels, organizes equipment needs, and coordinates with materials management for replenishments.

Standard PACU Responsibilities

1. Receives report on patient status from O.R. nurse and surgeon/anesthesiologist.

2. Performs an initial assessment with the anesthesiologist and continues with a complete body systems assessment once the patient is stable.

3. Provides or directs nursing care per assessment findings or physician orders.

4. Recognizes and responds to respiratory, cardiac, or circulatory emergencies.

5. Provides emotional support, comfort measures, and education.

6. Provides nourishment as appropriate for patient condition.

7. Gives explanations and discharge instructions to patients and family members.

8. Collaborates with the anesthesiologist to determine discharge readiness.

9. Assists with physical discharge to a responsible adult.

10. Participates in maintaining and improving nursing practice standards.

11. Assists with orientation and evaluation of personnel.

12. Performs RN functions in Pre-Op, Phase I, and Phase II as assigned.

13. Maintains the recovery room in a clean, safe, and orderly manner.

14. Performs post-operative phone calls.

15. Helps keep all departments tidy and assists with linen, trash removal, and supply organization as needed.

Education and Experience

· Current Colorado or compact-state RN licensure

· BLS and ACLS certification

· Minimum of 2 years recent PACU nursing experience

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills