Registered Nurse - Pre-Operative & Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Job Summary
This is a 13-week contract opportunity for an experienced Registered Nurse specializing in Pre-Operative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) services. The role is based at a community hospital's main campus in Ithaca, New York, which features 7 operating rooms.
The facility supports a diverse range of surgical specialties including Neuro, Plastics, ENT, Breast, General, GYN, Urology, Ortho, Vascular, and Endoscopy. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive nursing care to patients across the perioperative continuum, ensuring optimal patient outcomes and safety.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide direct patient care in the Pre-Operative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) settings.
- Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care in accordance with established nursing standards and hospital policies.
- Prepare patients for various surgical procedures, including pre-operative assessments and education.
- Monitor and manage post-operative patients, including pain management, vital sign monitoring, and complication prevention.
- Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare team members.
- Maintain accurate and thorough patient records.
- Ensure a safe and therapeutic environment for all patients.
Required Qualifications
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Minimum of 2 years of recent experience in Pre-Operative and/or PACU nursing.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-specialty surgical environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with a wide range of surgical specialties including Neuro, Plastics, ENT, Breast, General, GYN, Urology, Ortho, Vascular, and Endoscopy.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
Skills & Competencies
- Proficiency in pre-operative patient assessment and education.
- Expertise in post-anesthesia recovery, including airway management, pain assessment, and hemodynamic monitoring.
- Competence with various medical equipment used in pre-op and PACU settings.
- Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment.
- Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic clinical setting.
Shift Details
- Shift Type: Nights (NOC)
- Shift Duration: 8 hours
- Days per Week: 5
- Contract Length: 13 weeks
- Start Date: September 13, 2026
- End Date: December 12, 2026
- 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 frequency may vary based on staffing needs.
- Note: While the contract specifies 8-hour NOC shifts, the facility operates with varied shift start/end times (e.g., 6:00 AM - 6:30 PM, 7:00 AM - 7:30 PM, 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM, 9:00 AM - 9:30 PM) for other staff, indicating a dynamic environment.
Licensing Requirements
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of New York.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.