Job Title
Pre-Operative / Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse
Job Summary
Join a dynamic surgical team at a community hospital in Ithaca, New York, specializing in comprehensive pre-operative and post-anesthesia care. This role involves managing a diverse patient population undergoing a wide range of surgical procedures, including Neuro, Plastics, ENT, Breast, General, GYN, Urology, Ortho, Vascular, and Endoscopy cases.
The successful candidate will provide expert nursing care in a fast-paced environment, ensuring patient safety, comfort, and optimal outcomes from pre-admission assessment through post-operative recovery. This position requires strong clinical judgment, excellent communication skills, and the ability to adapt to varying patient needs and surgical schedules.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive pre-operative patient assessments, including medical history review, vital sign monitoring, and patient education regarding surgical procedures and recovery expectations.
- Prepare patients for surgery, ensuring all necessary documentation, consents, and pre-operative protocols are completed.
- Provide expert post-anesthesia care, continuously monitoring vital signs, airway patency, pain levels, and neurological status.
- Administer medications safely and effectively, including pain management and antiemetics, according to physician orders and hospital policy.
- Manage post-operative complications and emergencies, initiating appropriate interventions and collaborating with the surgical and anesthesia teams.
- Educate patients and their families on post-operative care, discharge instructions, and potential complications.
- Maintain accurate and thorough electronic health records for all patients.
- Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, other nurses, and support staff to ensure seamless patient care.
Required Qualifications
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Demonstrated experience in Pre-Operative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) settings.
Preferred Qualifications
Not specified.
Skills & Competencies
- Advanced patient assessment and critical thinking skills.
- Proficiency in IV insertion, phlebotomy, and medication administration.
- Competency in airway management and ventilator monitoring (basic).
- Ability to interpret cardiac rhythms and manage hemodynamic instability.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, fostering a collaborative team environment.
- Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize in a high-acuity setting.
- Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic healthcare environment.
- Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems.
Shift Details
- Shift Type: Night shift (NOC). Specific hours for the contracted NOC shift are not specified.
- Days per week: Not specified.
- 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 requirements are subject to staffing needs and may increase or decrease.
- Weekend Rotations: Included as part of the call requirement.
- Contract Length: 13 weeks.
- Start Date: August 24, 2026.
- End Date: November 22, 2026.
Licensing Requirements
- Current and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in New York State.