RN Pre-Op & Recovery

Surgery Partners•Orlando, FL

About The Position

The RN Pre-Op & PACU nurse ensures patient safety throughout the continuum of peri-anesthesia care. The role prepares patients for invasive procedures through education, health assessments, and individualized plans of care. It also monitors patients after surgical procedures and ensures that patients and their designated caregivers are prepared for discharge and understand post-operative care and follow-up instructions. The nurse performs pre-procedure assessments, provides pre-operative preparation and education, monitors post-anesthesia and sedated patients in the PACU, manages post-operative pain and comfort, assesses discharge readiness, and documents care in the medical record. The role requires sound clinical judgment in recognizing and responding to emergencies, knowledge of anesthesia and airway-related concerns, compliance with facility safety and regulatory standards, and effective collaboration with patients and care teams.

Requirements

Current, active Registered Nurse license issued by the applicable State Board of Nursing.
Current BLS certification.
Current ACLS certification.
Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree in Nursing from an accredited nursing program.
Ability to make sound and reasonable clinical decisions.
Ability to concentrate on individual patient care and perform calmly under pressure.
Accountability, professionalism, adaptability, and openness to change.
Ability to manage stressful situations effectively, with tact and professionalism.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with physicians, hospital partners, and ASC staff.
Working knowledge of computers and internet applications.
Ability to learn and use electronic medical record (EMR) systems and other healthcare software applications.
Visual and hearing abilities sufficient to safely perform patient care activities.

Responsibilities

Perform pre-procedure assessments and develop individualized plans of care based on patients’ physical, psychosocial, cultural, safety, pain management, and educational needs.
Prepare patients for surgical procedures and provide pre-operative education and instructions.
Document assessments and care plans accurately and thoroughly in the medical record.
Assess and monitor post-anesthesia and sedated patients throughout their stay in the PACU.
Provide post-operative pain management and comfort measures.
Assess patients’ readiness for discharge and ensure patients and caregivers understand discharge instructions and follow-up care requirements.
Document post-operative care and interventions in the medical record.
Recognize potential emergencies and respond appropriately using clinical judgment and professional expertise.
Demonstrate knowledge of anesthesia techniques and complications, signs of impending shock, respiratory compromise, and airway management.
Comply with facility policies for patient safety, infection prevention and control, and risk management, as well as applicable CMS, State, CDC, and AAAHC standards and regulations.
Communicate effectively with patients, physicians, coworkers, and guests in a professional, courteous, and respectful manner.
Work collaboratively with colleagues, supervisors, physicians, and hospital partners to improve patient care quality, effectiveness, and efficiency.
Support clinical and non-clinical team members and assist as needed to promote smooth daily operations.
Strive to exceed patient and physician satisfaction expectations and quality benchmarks.