Registered Nurse - Pre-Op/PACU

The Registered Nurse (RN) - Pre-Op/PACU is responsible for delivering high-quality, patient-centered nursing care in both the preoperative and post-anesthesia care phases within a new, state-of-the-art orthopaedic ambulatory surgery center with up to six operating rooms.

• Conduct comprehensive preoperative assessment including coordinating preoperative admission testing (PAT)
• Conduct comprehensive preoperative assessments including medical history review, medication reconciliation, and baseline vital signs.
• Verify informed consent, surgical site marking, and required documentation.
• Initiate IV access and administer medications per physician and anesthesia orders.
• Provide patient and family education regarding surgical procedures, anesthesia, and post-operative expectations.
• Collaborate with surgeons and anesthesia providers to ensure readiness for surgery.

• Monitor patients during immediate post-operative recovery, assessing airway, circulation, neurological status, and pain control.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to complications or changes in patient condition.
• Administer medications, manage pain control protocols, and implement discharge criteria.
• Provide discharge instructions and education to patients and caregivers.
• Document care accurately and timely in the electronic health record.

• Maintain adherence to infection control standards and universal precautions.
• Participate in time-outs and patient safety verification processes.
• Ensure compliance with AAAHC, CMS, and state regulatory requirements.
• Assist with emergency response protocols as needed.

• Work collaboratively with surgical team members including surgeons, CRNAs, surgical technologists, and sterile processing staff.
• Support efficient case turnover and patient throughput.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and staff education activities.
• Other duties as assigned

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in North Carolina.
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current BLS and ACLS certification required (PALS preferred if pediatric cases are performed).

• Minimum 2 years of RN experience in Pre-Op and/or PACU required.
• Ambulatory Surgery Center experience preferred.
• Orthopaedic surgical experience is strongly preferred.

• Strong assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Knowledge of anesthesia recovery phases and discharge criteria.
• Familiarity with orthopaedic procedures such as total joints, arthroscopy, fracture fixation, and sports medicine cases.
• Excellent patient education and communication skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced outpatient surgical setting.

• Prolonged standing and walking throughout patient care areas.
• Ability to assist patients with transfers and mobility.
• Occasional lifting up to 35 pounds.
• Visual and auditory acuity are sufficient for patient monitoring and assessment.