Job Description
Job Description
Key Responsibilities
- Pre-Operative Care
- Conduct pre-operative assessments including medical history, medication review, allergies, and vital signs.
- Ensure proper documentation, consent verification, and patient readiness for surgery.
- Provide patient and family education regarding surgical procedures, anesthesia, and recovery expectations.
- Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OR staff to optimize surgical preparation.
- Post-Operative Care (PACU / Surgical Unit)
- Monitor patients emerging from anesthesia, assessing respiratory status, pain levels, surgical site condition, and vitals.
- Administer medications including pain management and post-anesthesia drugs as prescribed.
- Recognize and respond to complications such as airway obstruction, bleeding, or abnormal vital signs.
- Provide emotional support and education to patients and families during recovery.
- Document assessments, interventions, and patient responses in the electronic health record accurately and promptly.
- General Responsibilities
- Communicate effectively with the interdisciplinary team to coordinate care and ensure continuity.
- Maintain a safe and clean environment adhering to infection control and hospital protocols.
- Participate in shift hand-offs, bedside reporting, and staff meetings.
- Support and mentor newer staff or students as appropriate.
Qualifications
- Licensure: Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in [State] or Compact License.
- Experience: Minimum 6 months of acute care RN experience, preferably in pre-op, PACU, or surgical/medical-surgical settings.
- Education: Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing (ADN required; BSN preferred).
- Certifications:
- BLS (Basic Life Support) - required.
- ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - required or must obtain within 3 months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience in pre-operative, PACU, or surgical nursing.
- Strong IV insertion and airway management skills.
- Familiarity with electronic health record systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner).
- Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) or Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) preferred.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to lift and move patients and equipment (up to 50 lbs).
- Frequent standing, walking, bending, and moving during 12-hour night shifts.
- Exposure to surgical patients, medications, blood/body fluids, and medical equipment.
- Fast-paced environment requiring rapid assessment and decision-making skills.
Schedule & Shift Details
- Shift: Full-Time Night Shift (typically 7:00 PM - 7:00 AM or 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM, depending on unit need).
- Weekends & Holidays: Rotation required.
- On-Call: May be required depending on surgical volume and unit staffing.