Travel Nurse RN - Emergency Room (ER) / Trauma in Ithaca, NY

Job Title

RN, Preoperative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Registered Nurse to join our Preoperative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) team at our main campus in Ithaca, New York. This role involves providing comprehensive nursing care to patients undergoing various surgical procedures, ensuring optimal outcomes from pre-admission through recovery.

The successful candidate will play a critical role in patient assessment, preparation for surgery, and post-anesthesia recovery, monitoring vital signs, managing pain, and addressing potential complications. This position requires a strong commitment to patient safety and excellent clinical judgment in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough pre-operative assessments, including patient history, physical examination, and review of medical records.
• Prepare patients for surgical procedures, ensuring all necessary pre-operative protocols are followed.
• Provide direct patient care in the PACU, including continuous monitoring of vital signs, airway management, and pain control.
• Assess and manage post-anesthesia complications such as nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, and hemodynamic instability.
• Administer medications safely and accurately as prescribed, including IV fluids and pain management therapies.
• Educate patients and families on post-operative care instructions and discharge planning.
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare team members to ensure coordinated patient care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all patient care activities.

Required Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of New York.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in Preoperative, PACU, Critical Care, or Emergency Room settings.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding and fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Not specified.

Skills & Competencies

• Proficient in comprehensive patient assessment and critical thinking.
• Expertise in cardiac monitoring, EKG interpretation, and hemodynamic monitoring.
• Skilled in IV insertion and medication administration.
• Competency in airway management and ventilator support.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to remain calm and effective under pressure.

Shift Details

• Primary Shift Type: Night Shift (NOC), typically 12-hour shifts.
• Departmental shifts range from 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM, and 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM, which may be covered during call or as needed.
• On-call Requirement: 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 requirements may vary based on staffing needs.
• Contract Length: 13 weeks.
• Start Date: August 23, 2026
• End Date: November 21, 2026

Licensing Requirements

• Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of New York.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.