Acute Care Surgical Recovery Nurse (RN)

The InHands Surgical Recovery Nurse is responsible for monitoring and supporting patients immediately following surgery during the overnight hours and for their entire length of stay. This role includes assessing vital signs, pain levels, surgical sites, drains, mobility, passing meds, and ensuring a safe and comfortable healing environment. The nurse will also communicate relevant updates to the clinical team and provide patient education and caregiver training when appropriate. This position is a per diem role.

Job Duties

Attend Meetings

• Regular Staff Meetings, remotely if necessary.
• Other meetings as needed.

Clinical Monitoring and Care

• Monitor vital signs, fluid input and output, dressings, and surgical sites in accordance with postoperative protocols
• Administer medications (as ordered) and assist with pain management
• Provide wound care, drain maintenance, and dressing changes as appropriate to licensure
• Assist patients with mobility, toileting, and repositioning to prevent complications and ensure maximal comfort
• Maintain detailed and accurate documentation in EMR of patient status and nursing interventions

Patient Safety and Comfort

• Respond to patient concerns or emergencies calmly and promptly
• Ensure a clean, safe, and restful recovery environment throughout the day and night
• Offer emotional reassurance and patient-centered care in a recovery suite setting
• Maintain infection control standards and ensure proper disposal of medical waste
• Assist with providing optimal nutrition and supplemental therapies (red light therapy, aromatherapy, guided meditations)
• Maintain high level of tidiness in recovery suites, housekeeping tasks required.

Communication and Handoff

• Provide detailed shift reports to incoming nursing staff or clinical team upon shift change
• Communicate patient changes or concerns to the on-call physician, medical director, or clinical supervisor as needed
• Collaborate with Lymphatic Therapists and Clinical Support Specialists for integrated care planning after discharge

Participate as a Valuable Member of the Team

• Work together with all members of the Team to give the patient a truly concierge process.

• Every Team Member provides backup and assists other staff in completing their tasks.
• Management may assign projects or special tasks as needed.

Education and Experience

Required

• Current, valid RN or LVN license in California
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification, ACLS 
• Minimum 1 year of nursing experience (surgical, med-surg, recovery, or step-down care preferred)
• Strong assessment and clinical documentation skills
• Ability to work independently and respond effectively in an overnight setting

Preferred

• Experience with cosmetic surgery recovery or private-duty nursing
• Familiarity with postop protocols

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive hourly and flat-rate pay 
• Low census
• Shift differentials for overnight work
• Holiday pay
• Paid training and continuing education opportunities
• Staff wellness and aesthetic service discounts

Requirements, Skills, and Abilities

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and/or walk for extended periods of time.
• Engage in moderate to heavy walking, pushing, pulling, crouching, bending, stretching, and twisting.
• Ability to carry up to 25 pounds.

Technical Abilities

• Ability to use computer with Windows Operating System for daily tasks, including Email and Microsoft Teams. 
• Ability to use the following operational software:
• • Eleectronic Medical Record (PatientNOW)
  • Hybrent for Purchasing
  • TouchMD
  • Webex
  • Whale
• Follow the OR system for handling both outgoing and incoming patient calls.

Communication and Problem Solving

• Possess a wide-ranging knowledge of healthcare in general and surgical health in particular.
• Good problem solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent Communication skills.
• Empathetic with patient needs and concerns.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Well organized with attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Take initiative to resolve issues independent of direct supervision.

Patient Confidentiality

• Discretion in handling diverse and challenging situations while adhering to patient privacy regulations.

Availability

• Reliable Transportation
• Ability to reliably work a consistent schedule, including the following shifts:
• • Overnight shifts (e.g., 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM)
  • Mid shifts (e.g., 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
  • Morning/Day shifts (e.g., 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM)
  • Per Diem shift availability 2 shifts/month
  • Weekend and holiday availability may be required

Immunizations and Tests

• Hepatitis B (or protective antibody levels must be confirmed through blood testing)
• TB Test (will be done annually)
• Tetanus
• Yearly Influenza

Environmental Hazards and Job Conditions

Exposure to:

• Hazardous chemicals. Continuous, Moderate.
• Infectious disease while in decontamination area and during all patient contact. Continuous, Low.
• Bloodborne pathogens. Continuous, High.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required based on procedure.

• Mask; must follow guidelines set by Santa Clara County Health Department.