Pre-Op/PACU Charge Nurse

Reports To: Clinical Director of Nursing (DON) and Administrator
Department: Nursing
Location: Ambulatory Surgery Center

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Clinical Director of Nursing, the Pre-Op/PACU Charge Nurse is responsible for coordinating and supervising daily patient care activities within the Pre-Operative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The Charge Nurse provides clinical leadership, ensures safe and efficient patient flow, supports regulatory compliance, and promotes high-quality patient outcomes.

During periods delegated by the Director of Nursing, the Charge Nurse serves as the nursing leader for the department and may assume responsibility for operational and clinical decision-making.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership

• Oversees daily operations of the Pre-Op and PACU departments.
• Ensures the delivery of safe, efficient, evidence-based patient care from admission through discharge.
• Assists staff with clinical decision-making, problem-solving, and patient care management.
• Serves as a clinical resource for nurses and other healthcare team members.
• Facilitates effective communication among physicians, anesthesia providers, nursing staff, and administration.
• Coordinates patient flow to support efficient surgical schedules and minimize delays.
• Promotes compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and infection prevention standards.

Patient Care Responsibilities

• Assesses, plans, implements, and evaluates patient care in Pre-Op and PACU settings.
• Monitors patient readiness for surgery and discharge according to established criteria.
• Ensures appropriate documentation of assessments, interventions, medications, and patient outcomes.
• Responds promptly to emergencies and patient care concerns.
• Collaborates with physicians, anesthesia providers, and interdisciplinary team members to optimize patient outcomes.

Staff Supervision and Development

• Assists with staffing assignments based on patient census, acuity, and department needs.
• Provides leadership, mentoring, and guidance to nursing personnel.
• Participates in staff orientation, training, competency assessment, and ongoing development.
• Supports the Director of Nursing with performance evaluations and coaching activities.
• Promotes a positive work environment by addressing concerns, resolving conflicts, and fostering teamwork.

Quality, Safety, and Compliance

• Participates in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities.
• Supports Infection Prevention, Medication Management, Safety, and Risk Management programs.
• Monitors compliance with center policies, clinical protocols, and nursing standards.
• Assists with incident investigations and corrective action planning.
• Maintains required reports, quality metrics, benchmarking data, and committee documentation.

Financial and Resource Management

• Supports efficient utilization of supplies, equipment, and staffing resources.
• Assists with managing department expenses and productivity goals.
• Promotes cost-saving initiatives while maintaining quality patient care.
• Ensures appropriate inventory levels and availability of clinical supplies.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Coordinates breaks, lunches, and daily staffing coverage.
• Assists in resolving patient, physician, and staff concerns.
• Communicates departmental goals, mission, vision, and organizational values.
• Participates in committees, meetings, and special projects as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned by leadership.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state.
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications.
• Strong clinical skills in Pre-Operative and PACU nursing.
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building abilities.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Computer proficiency, including electronic medical records, Microsoft Office, email, and reporting tools.
• Ability to work flexible hours based on surgical schedules and staffing needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Nursing (BSN).
• Two or more years of leadership or Charge Nurse experience.
• Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) experience.
• PACU or critical care nursing experience.
• PALS certification preferred.

Core Competencies

• Leadership and Accountability
• Patient-Centered Care
• Clinical Excellence
• Communication and Collaboration
• Regulatory Compliance
• Quality Improvement
• Resource Management
• Conflict Resolution
• Team Development
• Critical Thinking and Decision-Making

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, and reaching.
• Ability to assist with patient transfers and movement.
• Ability to lift, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Visual and auditory acuity necessary for patient assessment and monitoring.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to work extended periods in a fast-paced clinical environment.

Working Conditions

• Works in a climate-controlled ambulatory surgery center environment.
• Regular exposure to patients with communicable diseases and bodily fluids.
• Exposure to medical equipment, medications, and occasional radiology procedures.
• Requires adherence to infection prevention and safety protocols.
• Must be able to hear patient call systems, monitors, alarms, and overhead announcements.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Coordinates staffing and workflow within the Pre-Op and PACU departments.
• Assigns daily responsibilities and patient assignments.
• Provides leadership and operational oversight during assigned shifts.
• Supports orientation, competency validation, and ongoing staff development.
• Assists with resolution of patient, physician, and employee concerns.