Clinical Nurse II - Department: Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC), Day Shift

Howard University Hospital•Washington, DC

20d•Onsite

About The Position

Howard University Hospital is seeking a Registered Nurse to join its Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Preoperative team in Washington, DC. The RN provides comprehensive preoperative care in a fast-paced, time-sensitive surgical environment, helping maintain patient safety, efficient case flow, and on-time surgical starts. The role includes assessing patients, initiating IVs, administering medications, educating patients and families, and ensuring patients are ready for surgery. The position may serve in a charge nurse capacity as approved by the Nurse Manager.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Nursing.
Current Registered Nurse license in the District of Columbia.
At least two years of acute care RN experience.
Demonstrated competency in IV initiation and vascular access.
Ability to manage high-volume throughput and time-sensitive workflows.
Current BLS and ACLS certifications.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
Experience in Preop, PACU, Emergency Department, or Medical-Surgical nursing.
CAPA certification.

Responsibilities

Perform comprehensive preoperative assessments, including evaluation of airway, cardiovascular stability, allergies, medications, NPO status, pregnancy risk, and comorbid conditions.
Identify and escalate high-risk findings to anesthesia and the surgical team, and use clinical judgment to support safe patient optimization before surgery.
Initiate IV access and obtain laboratory specimens as ordered.
Administer preoperative medications in accordance with hospital policy.
Verify surgical and anesthesia consents and ensure patients are clinically ready for timely procedural starts.
Educate patients and families about the surgical process, pain management, mobility expectations, and discharge planning, as appropriate; reinforce education according to the patient's level of understanding.
Follow infection prevention protocols and medication safety standards.
Document assessments and interventions in the electronic medical record.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives and regulatory readiness efforts.
Coordinate care with anesthesia providers, surgeons, operating room staff, and support personnel.
Delegate appropriately while maintaining accountability for patient outcomes.
May serve in a charge nurse capacity as approved by the Nurse Manager.