Registered Nurse - Preoperative & Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Job Summary
Join a dedicated surgical team at a community hospital in Ithaca, New York, specializing in a wide array of surgical procedures including Neuro, Plastics, ENT, Breast, General, GYN, Urology, Ortho, Vascular, and Endoscopy. This role encompasses both preoperative patient preparation and post-anesthesia care, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and comfort.
The Preoperative and PACU Registered Nurse is responsible for comprehensive patient assessment, intervention, and education across the surgical continuum. You will play a critical role in preparing patients for surgery and facilitating their safe recovery from anesthesia, managing pain, and monitoring vital signs in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct thorough preoperative assessments, ensuring patient readiness for surgery.
- Prepare patients for surgical procedures, including IV insertion, medication administration, and emotional support.
- Provide expert post-anesthesia care, closely monitoring patients' physiological status, airway, and pain levels.
- Administer medications safely and effectively, including narcotics and sedatives, as per physician orders.
- Manage and troubleshoot patient monitoring equipment, ensuring accurate data collection.
- Collaborate effectively with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient care.
- Educate patients and their families on post-operative care, discharge instructions, and potential complications.
- Respond promptly and effectively to emergent situations, maintaining a calm and professional demeanor.
Required Qualifications
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Minimum of 1-2 years of recent experience as a Preoperative and PACU Registered Nurse.
Preferred Qualifications
Skills & Competencies
- Proficiency in IV insertion and phlebotomy.
- Competence in EKG interpretation and cardiac rhythm monitoring.
- Expertise in airway management and respiratory assessment.
- Strong pain assessment and management skills.
- Ability to operate and interpret data from patient monitoring systems.
- Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
- Commitment to patient safety and quality care.
Shift Details
- Shift Type: Night Shift (NOC)
- Shift Duration: 8 hours
- Days per Week: 5
- Contract Length: 13 weeks
- Start Date: October 18, 2026
- End Date: January 16, 2027
- Call Requirements: Approximately 3-4 weeknight calls (9:00 PM - 7:00 AM) and one 24-hour weekend call (7:00 AM - 7:00 AM) within an 8-week period. Call frequency is subject to change based on staffing needs.
- Weekend Rotation: Included as part of the 24-hour weekend call requirement.
Licensing Requirements
- Active and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of New York.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.