Registered Nurse – Pre-Op/PACU in Southern Pines, North Carolina at Southern Pines Orthopaedic Surgery Center

The Registered Nurse (RN) – Pre-Op/PACU is responsible for delivering high-quality, patient-centered nursing care in both the preoperative and post-anesthesia care phases within a new, state-of-the-art orthopaedic ambulatory surgery center with up to six operating rooms.

This role ensures safe patient preparation, recovery, education, and discharge while supporting efficient surgical flow and maintaining compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.

Pre-Operative Nursing Care

• Conduct comprehensive preoperative assessment including coordinating preoperative admission testing (PAT)
• Conduct comprehensive preoperative assessments including medical history review, medication reconciliation, and baseline vital signs.
• Verify informed consent, surgical site marking, and required documentation.
• Initiate IV access and administer medications per physician and anesthesia orders.
• Provide patient and family education regarding surgical procedures, anesthesia, and post-operative expectations.
• Collaborate with surgeons and anesthesia providers to ensure readiness for surgery.

Post-Anesthesia Care (PACU)

• Monitor patients during immediate post-operative recovery, assessing airway, circulation, neurological status, and pain control.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to complications or changes in patient condition.
• Administer medications, manage pain control protocols, and implement discharge criteria.
• Provide discharge instructions and education to patients and caregivers.
• Document care accurately and timely in the electronic health record.

Patient Safety & Compliance

• Maintain adherence to infection control standards and universal precautions.
• Participate in time-outs and patient safety verification processes.
• Ensure compliance with AAAHC, CMS, and state regulatory requirements.
• Assist with emergency response protocols as needed.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with surgical team members including surgeons, CRNAs, surgical technologists, and sterile processing staff.
• Support efficient case turnover and patient throughput.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and staff education activities.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Education & Licensure

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in North Carolina.
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current BLS and ACLS certification required (PALS preferred if pediatric cases are performed).

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of RN experience in Pre-Op and/or PACU required.
• Ambulatory Surgery Center experience preferred.
• Orthopaedic surgical experience is strongly preferred.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Knowledge of anesthesia recovery phases and discharge criteria.
• Familiarity with orthopaedic procedures such as total joints, arthroscopy, fracture fixation, and sports medicine cases.
• Excellent patient education and communication skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced outpatient surgical setting.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged standing and walking throughout patient care areas.
• Ability to assist patients with transfers and mobility.
• Occasional lifting up to 35 pounds.
• Visual and auditory acuity are sufficient for patient monitoring and assessment.