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

Howard University Hospital•Washington, DC

9d•$37 - $62

About The Position

Howard University Hospital is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) to join our Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) Preoperative team. This role is ideal for a clinically strong, highly organized nurse who thrives in a fast-paced, time-sensitive surgical environment. The RN – ASC/Preop is responsible for comprehensive patient assessment, IV initiation, medication administration, patient education, and ensuring surgical readiness prior to procedures. This position plays a critical role in maintaining patient safety, efficient case flow, and on-time surgical starts.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Nursing required
Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the District of Columbia
Minimum two (2) years of acute care RN experience required
Demonstrated competency in IV initiation and vascular access
Ability to manage high-volume throughput and time-sensitive workflows
Current BLS and ACLS certification required

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Deliver Safe, High-Quality Preoperative Care
Perform comprehensive preoperative assessments, including airway, cardiovascular stability, allergies, medications, NPO status, pregnancy risk, and comorbid conditions.
Identify and escalate high-risk findings to anesthesia and the surgical team.
Utilize clinical judgment to support safe patient optimization prior to surgery.
Prepare Patients for Surgery
Initiate IV access and obtain laboratory specimens as ordered.
Administer preoperative medications in accordance with hospital policy.
Verify surgical and anesthesia consents.
Ensure patients are clinically ready for timely procedural start.
Educate & Support Patients and Families
Provide clear preoperative education regarding the surgical process, pain management, mobility expectations, and discharge planning, as appropriate.
Reinforce education in a manner appropriate to the patient’s level of understanding.
Promote Safety & Compliance
Adhere to 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.
Collaborate Across Teams
Coordinate closely 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.