Registered Nurse - PACU

Position Summary / Scope of responsibility

The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics LLC (CAO) is one of the nation’s largest Orthopaedics practices, owned and operated by physicians, with over 60 locations across Maryland, Northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia.  With approximately 2,000 employees, working in 28 Divisions, CAO is a growing business with revenues of approximately $250 Million. CAO is committed to be the Orthopaedics provider of choice for our patients; partner of choice for payors and health systems; and employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce.

 The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse is responsible for providing high-quality, compassionate nursing care to patients recovering from anesthesia following surgical procedures in an ambulatory surgery center setting. The PACU Nurse monitors patients closely for signs of complications, manages post-operative pain and nausea, and ensures patients meet discharge criteria. The nurse works collaboratively with the surgical and anesthesia teams to ensure safe and timely patient recovery in accordance with regulatory standards and best practices.

This position will support operations at Watkins Mill Surgery Center, ensuring efficient daily workflows and high-quality patient care delivery. Watkins Mill Surgery Center is a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, serving the DMV region and specializing in orthopedic surgery and pain management.

Range: $45-55 / hour

Primary Responsibilities

The incumbent may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description. The duties and responsibilities of the position are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the Mission, Core Values and Operating Principles of CAO.

• Organize time, equipment, and supplies to maximize workflow and patient care.
• Use clinical equipment effectively, anticipating and meeting patient needs.
• Ensure adherence to accepted standards of nursing practice and facility protocols.
• Maintain cleanliness, order, and proper inventory levels in the recovery areas.
• Assess and document patients' physical and emotional status upon arrival to the recovery room.
• Provide post-anesthesia care per protocol, monitoring vitals, level of consciousness, pain, and surgical sites.
• Deliver individualized nursing care based on the surgical procedure and type of anesthesia used.
• Monitor for post-op complications and promptly inform the surgeon or anesthetist.
• Perform discharge assessments to ensure patient safety and readiness for discharge.
• Review discharge instructions, prescriptions, and follow-up care with patients and their caregivers.
• Educate patients and families on signs of complications and methods for obtaining immediate care.
• Ensure patient understanding of home care instructions, promoting comfort, reassurance, privacy, and dignity.
• Document all PACU care and instructions in the medical record.
• Develop and implement individualized post-operative care plans based on assessment data.
• Ensures consistent compliance with all regulatory and CAO guidelines, policies, and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Reporting Relationship

The Registered Nurse reports directly to the Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing

 This role does not have direct reports.

Required Education and Experience

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing.
• RN license required.
• 1-2 years of experience working in an outpatient surgery PACU or main OR PACU required.
• CPR Certification required.
• ACLS certification required.
• Proficient knowledge of medical terminology.
• Experience collaborating across multiple functions.
• Experience innovating in a fast-growing work environment and dealing with ambiguity.

Competencies / Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong Interpersonal Skills - Ability to develop relationships and collaborate and influence in a decentralized organization.
• Demonstrated ability to organize, prioritize, and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment with a proven track record of results.
• Strong oral and written communication skills with excellent self-discipline and patience.
• Able to work independently.
• Excellent time management, organization, and administrative support skills.
• Must be able to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in the English language.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must be able to use appropriate body mechanics when making necessary transfers and helping patients with exercises.
• Requires frequent bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, standing, walking, squatting, and sitting.
• Some heavy lifting, pushing, and pulling exerted regularly throughout a standard work shift.
• Adequate hearing to perform duties in person and over telephone.
• Requires hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity needed to operate a keyboard, medical equipment, fax machine, scanner, photocopier, and telephone.
• Must be able to communicate clearly to patients in person and over the telephone.
• Visual acuity adequate to perform job duties, including reading materials from printed sources and computer screens.
• Requires exposure to communicable diseases, bodily fluids, medicinal preparations, and other conditions common to a clinical environment.