PRN PACU/Pre Op RN

Reports To: PACU Nurse Manager

Job Summary:

The Registered Nurse – Pre-Op/PACU is responsible for providing safe, comprehensive nursing care to patients throughout the perioperative process, including pre-operative preparation, post-anesthesia recovery, and discharge. This role ensures patient readiness for procedures, promotes optimal surgical outcomes, and delivers individualized care in accordance with professional nursing standards, regulatory requirements, and facility policies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

 

• Competes all morning checks such as the temperatures in the patient medication and nourishment refrigerators, all med gas levels, glucometer, and pregnancy test controls, as well as the narcotic count that must be done with two pre-op/PACU nurses daily.
• Be able to work Pre-op or PACU as assigned by the Pre-op/PACU manager.
• Performs pre-operative patient assessments, including review of medical history, medications, allergies, laboratory results and documentation.
• Verifies patient readiness for surgery and ensures all required documentation is complete.
• Provides pre-operative instructions and prepares patients and families for the surgical experience.
• Provides direct post-operative nursing care to patients recovering from anesthesia and surgical procedures.
• Performs comprehensive assessments, including airway management, respiratory status, vital signs, pain assessment, level of consciousness, and hemodynamic stability.
• Recognizes changes in patient condition and initiates appropriate nursing interventions and escalation of care when needed.
• Evaluates readiness to discharge based on established criteria and provides patient and family education regarding post-operative care, medications, and discharge instructions.
• Maintains a high standard of nursing practice consistent with regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and ASC policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates clinical judgement, accountability, initiative, and professionalism in daily practice.
• Maintains competency through ongoing education and professional development.

Supports the goals of COSC.

• Demonstrates a commitment to excellence in customer relations.
• Assists in cost containment measures. 
• Assists in competing Quality Assurance and Quality Improvement as assigned.
• Maintains regular and timely attendance, appropriate dress code and a clean and neat appearance.
• Displays a positive attitude, demonstrates respect for authority, discusses problems and follows chain of command. 
• Complies with all safety, infection control, risk management, and medication management initiatives.

Education and Experience:

• Maintains current licensure as a professional registered nurse in the state of Maryland or a compact state.
• BLS certification; ACLS certification
• Minimum of 2 years of recent experience as a PACU nurse; critical care or emergency nursing preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Mental/Physical Requirements:  The Registered Nurse must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation. This role requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout the clinical environment for extended periods. The employee must be able to position and assist patients, transport equipment and supplies, and occasionally lift, push, pull, or move up to 50 pounds.

The position requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate medical equipment, administer medications, perform clinical procedures, document in electronic medical records, and utilize standard office and communication equipment.
The employee must be able to assess, interpret, and respond appropriately to patient care needs; maintain attention to detail; exercise sound clinical judgment; and effectively prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced surgical environment. The ability to respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations, maintain composure under pressure, and communicate effectively with patients, physicians, staff, and external partners is essential.
 
Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Responsibilities and requirements may be modified as business needs evolve.