TravelNurseSource is working with Highland Staffing, LLC to find a qualified ER/Trauma RN in Ithaca, New York, 14850!
Job Title
Registered Nurse - Preoperative & Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Job Summary
Community Hospital in Ithaca, New York, is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse for its Preoperative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at its main campus. This vital role involves providing comprehensive care to patients undergoing a wide range of surgical procedures across 7 operating rooms.
The successful candidate will manage patient care from pre-operative assessment and preparation through post-anesthesia recovery, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and safety. Specialties supported include Neuro, Plastics, ENT, Breast, General, GYN, Urology, Ortho, Vascular, and Endoscopy.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive pre-operative patient assessments, including medical history review, vital signs, and readiness for surgery.
- Prepare patients for surgical procedures, ensuring all necessary documentation and consents are complete.
- Provide post-anesthesia care, closely monitoring patients' vital signs, pain levels, and recovery progress.
- Administer medications as prescribed, including pain management and antiemetics.
- Manage airways, provide respiratory support, and address potential post-operative complications.
- 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 patient care activities in the electronic health record.
Required Qualifications
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Experience in a Preoperative and/or Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) setting.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Preferred Qualifications
Skills & Competencies
- Proficiency in patient assessment, monitoring, and critical care interventions.
- Expertise in airway management and respiratory support.
- Strong skills in pain management and medication administration.
- Ability to interpret cardiac rhythms and manage hemodynamic stability.
- Competency with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple patients in a fast-paced environment.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Shift Details
- Shift Type: Nights (NOC)
- Shift Duration: 8 hours per shift
- Days per Week: 5 days
- Contract Length: 13 weeks
- Start Date: November 1, 2026
- End Date: January 30, 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 may vary based on staffing needs.
- Holiday Call: Required as scheduled.
Licensing Requirements
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of New York.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.