About the Role:

The Registered Nurse in the Pre-Operative (PreOp) and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) within an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) plays a critical role in ensuring patient safety and comfort before, during, and after surgical procedures. This position involves comprehensive patient assessment, preparation, and monitoring to facilitate smooth surgical experiences and optimal recovery outcomes. The nurse collaborates closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality perioperative care tailored to each patient's needs. By managing patient education, pain control, and vital sign monitoring, the nurse helps minimize complications and supports efficient patient throughput in a fast-paced outpatient setting. Ultimately, this role is essential in promoting positive surgical experiences and enhancing overall patient satisfaction in the ASC environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in New Jersey.
• Graduation from an accredited nursing program.
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications.
• Experience or training in perioperative nursing, specifically in PreOp and PACU settings.
• Strong knowledge of surgical procedures, anesthesia recovery, and patient monitoring protocols.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in an Ambulatory Surgery Center environment.
• Demonstrated proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) and perioperative documentation systems.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct thorough preoperative assessments including reviewing patient history, medications, and allergies to prepare patients for surgery.
• Provide patient education regarding surgical procedures, anesthesia, and postoperative care to alleviate anxiety and ensure informed consent.
• Monitor patients closely in the PACU, assessing vital signs, level of consciousness, pain, and potential complications following anesthesia.
• Collaborate with the surgical team to coordinate patient flow, ensuring timely and safe transitions between preoperative, operative, and postoperative phases.
• Document all nursing care activities accurately and maintain compliance with regulatory standards and ASC policies.
• Administer medications and interventions as prescribed, including pain management and emergency response if necessary.
• Support discharge planning by evaluating patient readiness and providing postoperative instructions to patients and caregivers.

Skills:

The required skills enable the nurse to perform detailed patient assessments and deliver safe, effective care throughout the surgical process. Strong communication skills are essential for educating patients and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure seamless care coordination. Critical thinking and quick decision-making abilities are used daily to identify and respond to changes in patient condition, especially in the PACU. Technical skills, including proficiency with monitoring equipment and medication administration, support accurate and timely interventions. Preferred skills such as advanced certifications and EHR proficiency enhance the nurse's ability to provide specialized care and maintain comprehensive, compliant documentation in a fast-paced ASC setting.