Charge Nurse - PACU - Somerset, NJ

Sovereign Health System; Franklin Township (NJ); On-site; USD 74,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sovereign Health System is hiring a Charge Nurse for the PACU in Somerset, NJ. This full-time role leads the PACU nursing team, oversees patient flow after surgery, and ensures safe, high-quality recovery. You will collaborate with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and hospital staff to optimize outcomes.

Requires NJ RN license, 3+ years nursing with PACU/critical care experience, and BLS/ACLS certification. BSN preferred; experience with EHR systems is a plus.

Qualifications

• Active RN license in New Jersey.
• Minimum 3 years clinical nursing experience with at least 1 year in PACU/critical care.
• BLS and ACLS certifications.
• Demonstrated leadership as charge nurse in a hospital.
• Strong knowledge of postoperative care and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and coordinate daily PACU nursing staff.
• Assess post-surgery patients, monitor vitals, manage pain and complications.
• Facilitate communication with patients, families, and teams.
• Manage staffing, workflow, and resources for unit operations.
• Provide training and support to nursing staff.
• Ensure compliance with policies and infection control.
• Participate in quality improvement and policy development.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Patient care

Critical thinking

Education

RN license (New Jersey)

BSN preferred

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

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Charge Nurse - PACU - Somerset, NJ

Full Time Franklin Township, NJ, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1579

Salary Range: $54.00 To $56.00 Hourly

About the Role:

The Charge Nurse in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) plays a critical leadership role in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care during the immediate postoperative period. This position is responsible for overseeing the nursing staff, coordinating patient flow, and managing resources to maintain a safe and efficient care environment. The Charge Nurse acts as a clinical expert and mentor, providing guidance and support to the PACU team while collaborating closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals. They ensure compliance with facility policies, regulatory standards, and best practices to optimize patient outcomes and satisfaction. Ultimately, the Charge Nurse is pivotal in fostering a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement, and compassionate care within the PACU setting.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Current and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of New Jersey.
• Minimum of 3 years of clinical nursing experience, with at least 1 year in a PACU or critical care setting.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications.
• Demonstrated leadership or charge nurse experience in a hospital environment.
• Strong knowledge of postoperative care, anesthesia recovery protocols, and patient safety standards.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
• Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems and clinical documentation.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex clinical situations.
• Additional certifications in pain management or critical care nursing.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise and coordinate daily activities of nursing staff in the PACU to ensure effective patient care delivery.
• Assess patient conditions post-surgery, monitor vital signs, and manage pain and complications in collaboration with the healthcare team.
• Facilitate communication between patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams to provide updates and address concerns.
• Manage staffing assignments, workflow, and resource allocation to maintain optimal unit operations and patient safety.
• Provide clinical guidance, training, and support to nursing staff, promoting professional development and adherence to best practices.
• Ensure compliance with hospital policies, infection control protocols, and regulatory requirements within the PACU.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and contribute to the development of unit policies and procedures.

Skills:

The Charge Nurse utilizes clinical expertise and critical thinking skills daily to assess and respond to the dynamic needs of postoperative patients, ensuring timely interventions and safe recovery. Leadership and communication skills are essential for coordinating the nursing team, facilitating collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals, and providing clear guidance during high-pressure situations. Organizational skills enable effective management of staffing, patient flow, and resource allocation to maintain unit efficiency and patient safety. Proficiency with electronic health records supports accurate documentation and information sharing, enhancing continuity of care. Continuous learning and mentoring skills foster a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and adherence to best practices within the PACU.