Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Anesthesiology, Asepsis, Auditory, CPR Certification, Clinical Assessment, Clinical Competency, Clinical Outcomes, Communication Skills, Drug Development, Establish Priorities, Health Plan, Intravenous Therapies, Medications, Nursing, Nursing Credentials, Ophthalmology, Patient Assessment, Patient Care, Patient Confidentiality, Patient Education, Philosophy, Postanesthesia, Psychology, Quality of Care, Quality of Life, Registered Nurse (RN), Regulations, Surgical Procedures, Team Player
The Pre-Operative / PACU Registered Nurse (RN) plays a key role in preparing patients for surgery and providing post-anesthesia recovery care in a fast-paced Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC). This position is responsible for completing thorough pre-operative assessments, initiating individualized care plans, and monitoring patients through recovery to ensure safe discharge. The RN collaborates closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and the surgical team to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care across the perioperative continuum.
Schedule
- Monday–Friday
- 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- 2–3 days per week based on center needs
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Operative Care
- Perform comprehensive physical and psychological assessments prior to surgery
- Initiate individualized pre-operative care plans
- Obtain and document vital signs, medical history, and patient status
- Start IVs using aseptic technique as indicated
- Administer pre-operative medications and monitor patient response
- Educate patients and families on the surgical process, including arrival time, NPO status, medications, and post-op expectations
- Verify patient identity, surgical site, and procedure using established safety protocols
- Ensure all required documentation, physician orders, and consents are complete and accurate
PACU / Post-Anesthesia Care
- Receive patients from the operating room and complete immediate post-anesthesia assessments
- Monitor airway, vital signs, level of consciousness, and overall patient status
- Manage pain, nausea, and other post-operative symptoms per physician/anesthesia orders
- Identify and respond to changes in patient condition or complications
- Document recovery progress and nursing interventions accurately
- Assess readiness for discharge using established criteria
- Provide clear discharge instructions to patients and caregivers
Surgical Coordination & Communication
- Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and OR staff to ensure continuity of care
- Communicate patient status, test results, and clinical concerns across the care team
- Update and support family members regarding patient progress as appropriate
Clinical Operations
- Prioritize tasks based on patient needs and surgical schedule
- Maintain adequate supplies and ensure readiness of pre-op and PACU areas
- Support patient flow, including transport and room turnover as needed
- Use proper body mechanics when assisting patients and handling equipment
Documentation & Compliance
- Accurately document all assessments, interventions, and patient care in the medical record
- Follow ASC policies, procedures, and regulatory standards
- Maintain strict patient confidentiality at all times
Teamwork & Professionalism
- Maintain a patient-centered, professional approach at all times
- Collaborate effectively with clinical and non-clinical team members
- Communicate clearly and respectfully with patients, families, and staff
- Contribute to a positive, team-oriented work environment
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Qualifications
Education & Licensure
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice
- Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
- BSN preferred
- Current CPR certification required
- ACLS preferred
Experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in pre-op, PACU, perioperative, or ASC nursing preferred
- Experience in outpatient surgical settings strongly preferred
Skills & Knowledge
- Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills
- Knowledge of aseptic technique and perioperative standards
- Experience in post-anesthesia recovery and patient monitoring
- Strong communication and patient education skills
- Ability to prioritize and adapt in a fast-paced ASC environment
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and move throughout the facility for extended periods
- Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 30 lbs regularly and assist with patient movement as needed
- Visual and auditory acuity sufficient for patient assessment and monitoring
- Ability to use computers and standard clinical equipment
Continuing Education
- Maintain current licensure and CPR certification
- Complete required continuing education credits
- Participate in ongoing training and in-service programs
- Demonstrate ongoing professional development and clinical competency
What We Offer
- Competitive wages
- Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life, and short- and long-term disability insurance
- Generous paid time off (PTO)
- Seven (7) company-paid holidays
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- A people-centered organization focused on People, Passion, Purpose, and Progress
- Supportive and inspirational workplace culture
About Midwest Vision Partners
Midwest Vision Partners was founded in 2019 to build a premier eye care platform in partnership with Alpine Investors, a San Francisco-based private equity firm. Alpine supports MVP through its PeopleFirst™ philosophy, strong track record, and commitment to physician-led care.
Headquartered in Chicago, MVP's mission is to provide world-class support to ophthalmologists and optometrists so they can focus on improving patients' vision and quality of life. Today, MVP includes 16 practices, 125 physicians, and approximately 1,500 employees across 60+ locations throughout the Midwest. We are committed to being the premier provider of eye care in the region through a culture of collaboration and excellence.
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