PACU / Pre-Op RN, Registered Nurse (Full Time/Day)

Universal Health Services; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Generous paid time off

Excellent medical, dental, vision

Job summary

The George Washington University Hospital is seeking a PACU/Pre-Op Registered Nurse (RN) to deliver safe, evidence-based care after surgery. You will assess patients, manage hemodynamics, control pain, educate families, and coordinate with surgical teams in a fast-paced setting.

Requirements include a DC RN license, BLS and ACLS, and 1 year in PACU/ICU/ED. Preferred CPAN/CAPA, BSN, and high-acuity post-operative experience. This on-site role offers strong benefits within the UHS system.

Qualifications

• Current RN license in the District of Columbia (or eligible).
• BLS and ACLS certification (AHA).
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in PACU, ICU, or Emergency Department.
• CPAN or CAPA certification preferred.
• BSN from an accredited program preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care to patients in both the PACU and Pre-Op areas.
• Monitor vital signs, pain levels, and recovery status following anesthesia.
• Prepare patients for surgical procedures, including assessment, IV initiation, and education.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other care providers.
• Recognize and respond quickly to changes in patient condition.
• Document all aspects of patient care accurately in the EMR.
• Support patients and families with education and reassurance throughout the surgical journey.

Skills

BLS certification

ACLS certification

PACU/ICU/ED experience

Education

BSN from an accredited program

CPAN or CAPA certification

Tools

Current DC RN license

Job description

Responsibilities

About GW Hospital

The George Washington University Hospital is a 395-bed academic medical center located in the heart of Washington, D.C., in partnership with the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. As a nationally recognized center of clinical excellence and innovation, we provide world-class care across many specialties. Our nurses play a crucial role in shaping the patient experience, contributing to research, and advancing improvements in care outcomes.

Unit Overview

The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at The George Washington University Hospital provides high-quality, compassionate care for patients immediately following surgical or procedural interventions. Our PACU team specializes in monitoring post-anesthesia recovery, managing pain, and stabilizing patients to ensure a safe transition to inpatient units or discharge. Nurses also play a key role in Pre-Op, preparing patients for surgery with thorough assessments, education, and individualized care planning.

Position Summary

The PACU/Pre-Op Registered Nurse (RN) delivers safe, evidence-based care for patients undergoing surgical procedures. Responsibilities include patient assessment, monitoring hemodynamic stability, airway management, pain control, patient/family education, and coordination with the surgical, anesthesia, and recovery teams. This role requires critical thinking, rapid response skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-centered environment.

Main Tasks

• Provide nursing care to patients in both the PACU and Pre-Op areas.
• Monitor vital signs, pain levels, and recovery status following anesthesia.
• Prepare patients for surgical procedures, including assessment, IV initiation, and education.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other care providers.
• Recognize and respond quickly to changes in patient condition.
• Document all aspects of patient care accurately in the EMR.
• Support patients and families with education and reassurance throughout the surgical journey.

Qualifications

Required

• Current RN license in the District of Columbia (or eligible)
• BLS and ACLS certification (AHA)
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in PACU, ICU, or Emergency Department

Preferred

• CPAN or CAPA certification
• BSN from an accredited program
• Experience with high-acuity post-operative patients

Benefit & Rewards Highlights

• Challenging and rewarding work environment
• Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off
• Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Plans
• 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan
• SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
• Tuition savings to continue your nursing education with Chamberlain University
• Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!

More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website: benefits.uhsguest.com

About Universal Health Services

One of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS), has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception as an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, the company reported annual revenues of $17.4 billion in 2025. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies, and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ' ranking of America's largest public companies.

Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities, and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network, and various related services located in 40 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom. For additional information, visit www.uhs.com.

From Fortune, 2025, 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates are critical to our success.