RN- Preop/PACU in Wakefield, Rhode Island at South County Hospital

South County Health is an independent, nonprofit healthcare system serving southern Rhode Island for more than 100 years, offering comprehensive inpatient, outpatient, and home health services. South County Hospital is the only hospital in the Northeast—and one of just 19 nationwide—to have earned five-star CMS ratings for both Overall Hospital Quality and Patient Experience. The system has also earned several A grades from The Leapfrog Group for quality and patient safety, along with a five-star HCAHPS rating.

As a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network, South County Health clinicians have special access to Mayo Clinic knowledge, expertise, and resources, including opportunities to consult with Mayo Clinic specialists, access clinical tools, and participate in education and professional development. These tools and resources complement our clinicians' local expertise and support high-quality, patient-centered care close to home, at no additional cost. South County Health combines this clinical excellence with a supportive work environment, competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits (health, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, 403b, and PTO), professional development opportunities, and a commitment to work-life balance.

Pay range: $36.20-$51.68

Job Summary:
The RN – Preop/PACU is responsible for coordinating total nursing care for patients undergoing surgical or procedural interventions. This includes comprehensive care in both the Preoperative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) settings. The role emphasizes a multi-disciplinary, patient-centered approach and requires the ability to respond rapidly and appropriately in high-acuity situations. Care is delivered across the patient lifespan using the Nursing Process: assessment, planning, intervention, implementation, and evaluation. The RN must be capable of working independently—managing patient care alone at times—while having immediate access to nearby colleagues and resources if support is needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and deliver total nursing care for patients in both Preop and PACU.
• Provide continuous monitoring of patient condition post-anesthesia, including vital signs, oxygenation, cardiac rhythm, pain, and neurologic status.
• Administer and titrate IV medications, including analgesics, antiemetics, sedatives, and emergency drugs per provider orders.
• Respond promptly and effectively to emergencies such as respiratory distress, hypotension, arrhythmias, or other clinical changes.
• Provide patient and family education related to surgical preparation and recovery.
• Collaborate closely with anesthesia providers, surgeons, and other team members to ensure safe and efficient patient flow.
• Deliver care throughout the patient lifespan, applying age-appropriate considerations.
• Document all assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately in the electronic health record.
• Participate in and support quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

Required:

• Current RN license in the State of Rhode Island
• BLS and ACLS certifications (American Heart Association)
• Minimum of 1 year acute care nursing experience
• Critical care experience

Preferred:

• PACU experience
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN); Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) graduates must be enrolled in a BSN program and complete it within 3 years

Pay range: $36.20-$51.68