PACU/Pre-Op & Recovery RN Full-Time

Surgery Partners•Thousand Oaks, CA

About The Position

The RN Pre-Op & PACU nurse ensures patient safety throughout peri-anesthesia care. The role prepares patients for invasive procedures through education, health assessments, and individualized plans of care, then monitors patients following surgical procedures. The nurse also assesses discharge readiness and ensures patients and their designated caregivers understand post-operative care and follow-up instructions. The position includes pre-operative assessment and education, post-anesthesia monitoring and pain management, accurate medical-record documentation, and responding to potential emergencies using clinical judgment. The nurse follows facility policies and applicable CMS, State, CDC, and AAAHC standards. The role also requires effective communication and collaboration with patients, physicians, coworkers, supervisors, hospital partners, and other team members to support quality care and smooth daily operations.

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 remain calm 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.
Knowledge of anesthesia techniques and associated complications, signs and symptoms of impending shock, respiratory compromise, and airway management.

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.
Thoroughly and accurately document assessments and care plans in the medical record.
Assess and monitor post-anesthesia and sedated patients throughout their PACU stay.
Provide post-operative pain management and comfort measures.
Assess patients for discharge readiness 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.
Maintain compliance with facility policies regarding patient safety, infection prevention and control, and risk management.
Adhere to applicable CMS, State, CDC, and AAAHC standards and regulations.
Communicate effectively and interact professionally, courteously, and respectfully with patients, physicians, coworkers, and guests.
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 ensure smooth daily operations.
Perform other duties as assigned.