Pre-Op RN, Registered Nurse (Part Time/Days)

UHS•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Pre‑Operative (Pre‑Op) area supports all surgical services across the hospital, preparing patients for inpatient and outpatient procedures in specialties including general surgery, orthopedics, GI, plastics, ENT, neurosurgery, urology, and gynecology. The team focuses on safe, efficient patient flow, thorough pre‑surgical preparation, and close collaboration with surgeons, anesthesia, PACU, and perioperative nursing. The Pre-Op RN prepares patients for surgery by performing focused nursing assessments, verifying orders and consents, initiating IV access, administering pre-operative medications, and providing education and emotional support. The RN ensures patients are ready for surgery in accordance with established protocols, coordinates with the surgical team to prevent delays, and upholds high standards of safety, quality, and patient experience across all surgical services.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing; BSN preferred.
Current RN license in the District of Columbia (or compact license as applicable).
Current BLS certification required; ACLS preferred or obtained within organizational timeframe.
Minimum 1–2 years of recent acute care and/or perioperative experience; prior pre‑op, PACU, OR, or surgical services experience preferred.
Strong assessment, IV insertion, and patient education skills.
Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, prioritize multiple patients, and collaborate with an interdisciplinary team.
Proficiency with electronic health records and adherence to standardized protocols.

Nice To Haves

BSN preferred.
ACLS preferred or obtained within organizational timeframe.
prior pre‑op, PACU, OR, or surgical services experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Perform pre‑operative nursing assessments, including vital signs, focused history, medication review, allergies, and NPO status.
Verify surgical consents, site marking, and required pre‑op testing or clearances are complete and documented.
Initiate IV access, obtain labs as ordered, and administer pre‑operative medications per protocols and provider orders.
Provide patients and families with procedure expectations, post‑operative instructions, and pain management education.
Monitor the patient's condition and promptly report any changes or concerns to anesthesia and surgeons.
Collaborate with surgeons’ offices, anesthesia, OR staff, PACU, and scheduling to support timely case starts and safe patient handoffs.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation in the electronic health record.
Adhere to infection prevention, medication safety, and regulatory standards.
Participate in unit‑based quality, safety, and performance improvement initiatives.
Demonstrate professional communication, teamwork, and customer service in all interactions.