Pre Op/PACU Charge Nurse

Capital Surgical Solutions•Bethesda, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pre-Op / PACU Charge Nurse is responsible for overseeing daily clinical operations within the Preoperative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at District Surgery Center. This role provides direct patient care while serving as the clinical leader for Preop/PACU nursing staff, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality perioperative services in accordance with regulatory standards and organizational policies. The Charge Nurse collaborates with Nurse Manager, OR manager, SPD and Materials Managers, anesthesia providers, surgeons, and administrative leadership to coordinate patient flow, staffing, and patient safety initiatives throughout the surgical continuum of care.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing (BSN).
Current RN license in good standing.
BLS and ACLS certification required.
Minimum 3–5 years of Preop/PACU nursing experience in an ambulatory setting.
Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
Excellent leadership and team coordination abilities.
Effective communication and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency with electronic health records.

Nice To Haves

Previous leadership or charge nurse experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the clinical resource and leader for Pre-Op and PACU nursing staff.
Assign staff and manage daily workflow to ensure safe patient care and efficient throughput.
Provide guidance in clinical decision-making and escalation of care when needed.
Oversee handoffs between Pre-Op, OR, and PACU teams.
Monitor patient acuity and adjust assignments accordingly.
Communicate effectively with the department leaders.
Perform comprehensive preoperative and postoperative assessments.
Monitor patients recovering from anesthesia, ensuring airway management, hemodynamic stability, and pain control.
Administer medications and completing orders per surgeons and anesthesia providers.
Provide patient education based on standards of care and surgical discharge instructions specific to the type of surgery and the provider.
Identify and respond appropriately to emergencies or complications.
Ensure accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record.
Coordinate daily surgical schedule with OR staff and anesthesia providers.
Anticipate staffing needs and assist with coverage planning.
Ensure adherence to infection control, safety, and regulatory standards (CMS, AAAHC).
Participate in quality improvement initiatives and chart audits.
Maintain current knowledge of perioperative and PACU nursing standards.
Ensure compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, and facility policies.
Participate in staff education, onboarding, and competency validation.
Support performance evaluations and coaching as delegated by the Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing.