Full Job Description
Position Summary
The Registered Nurse – Pre-Operative & PACU provides professional nursing care to surgical patients in the ambulatory surgery center setting. This role is responsible for comprehensive preoperative assessment, immediate post-anesthesia recovery care, patient education, discharge coordination, and interdisciplinary communication. The RN ensures patient safety, regulatory compliance, and adherence to infection prevention and quality standards throughout the perioperative continuum.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Pre-Operative Responsibilities
- Admit patients to the preoperative unit and verify completeness of the medical record, including H&P, consents, and required preoperative testing.
- Perform and document comprehensive preoperative assessment, including vital signs, height, weight, and clinical evaluation.
- Provide physical and emotional support to patients and families.
- Prepare patients for surgery per physician orders and facility protocol.
- Initiate IV access and administer medications and IV sedation, when applicable, per physician or anesthesia orders and scope of licensure.
- Communicate patient status effectively with operating room staff, anesthesia providers, and physicians.
- Ensure accurate and timely documentation in the medical record.
Post-Anesthesia Care (PACU) Responsibilities
- Receive and assess patients upon arrival to PACU and perform ongoing recovery assessments.
- Monitor airway, respiratory status, cardiovascular stability, neurological status, and pain control.
- Maintain working knowledge of cardiac monitoring and arrhythmia recognition.
- Observe, document, and report patient responses to anesthesia, medications, and treatments.
- Implement appropriate interventions to ensure safe recovery from anesthesia.
- Discontinue IV therapy per facility policy.
- Provide patient and family education regarding postoperative care and discharge instructions.
- Ensure discharge criteria are met and obtain physician approval prior to discharge.
- Safely discharge patients per facility policy.
- Handle postoperative phone calls and patient follow-up concerns as appropriate.
Medication & Inventory Responsibilities
- Restock and maintain supply inventory throughout the facility.
- Monitor medication inventory, including sample cabinets, ensuring removal of expired medications per policy.
- Dispense medications as directed by physicians within scope of licensure.
- Maintain compliance with controlled substance and medication management policies.
General Responsibilities
- Adhere to AAAHC, CMS, and facility policies and procedures.
- Minimize risk of nosocomial infection through strict adherence to infection prevention standards.
- Maintain working knowledge of emergency equipment and participate in drills.
- Identify and report unsafe conditions or practices.
- Participate in quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives.
- Complete required forms and documentation accurately and timely.
- Maintain strict confidentiality in all patient and operational matters.
- Demonstrate professional communication with patients, families, physicians, and staff.
- Maintain flexibility to function throughout the surgery center as needed.
- Participate in orientation, competency validation, continuing education, and in-services.
- Support positive team culture and adaptability to change.
- Perform other duties as assigned within scope of licensure.
Qualifications
Required
- Graduate of an accredited Registered Nurse (RN) program
- Current Idaho RN license in good standing
- Current ACLS certification (or ability to obtain)
- Current BLS certification
- Minimum two years professional nursing experience
- Knowledge of perioperative nursing standards and safe surgical practices
- Ability to respond calmly and effectively in emergency situations
- Strong organizational and communication skills
Preferred
- Prior ambulatory surgery center experience
- Experience in preoperative or PACU nursing
Supervision Received
Director of Nursing or other Registered Nurse (RN) designee – Clinical supervision
Physical Requirements
- Prolonged standing and walking
- Lifting and moving supplies and instrument trays
- Manual dexterity for instrument handling and cleaning
- Physically capable of listening
- Physically capable of reading and reviewing written communications
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
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