Post-Op Sedation Recovery Nurse

Freedom-Dental-Health; McDaniel Heights (DE); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Continuing education in sedation

Supportive team culture

Impact on patient comfort and safety

Job summary

Freedom-Dental-Health is seeking an experienced RN for our Post-Operative Sedation Recovery team in Delaware. You will monitor post‑anesthesia recovery, support pediatric and adult patients, and provide calm, empathetic discharge instructions to parents and caregivers after dental procedures.

The role emphasizes patient safety, accurate vitals monitoring, infection control, and collaboration with the dental sedation team in a fast-paced clinical setting. Evening shifts are not required.

Qualifications

• Active RN license in Delaware.
• Experience in post-operative recovery, PACU, or anesthesia care required.
• Comfort with pediatric and adult patient populations.
• Experience with special needs patients strongly preferred.
• CPR/BLS required; PALS preferred.
• Strong communication and patient-education skills.
• Ability to work well in a collaborative clinical team.

Responsibilities

• Provide post-operative recovery care for pediatric and adult patients after sedation or anesthesia.
• Monitor post-op vitals, airway status, pain, nausea, bleeding, and recovery progression.
• Identify early signs of complications and escalate appropriately.
• Offer calm, reassuring support to high-anxiety patients and families.
• Explain post-operative care instructions to caregivers before discharge.
• Assist with inventory and maintain a safe recovery environment.
• Collaborate with the dental sedation team and anesthesia providers.
• Follow infection control and safety protocols; document per standards.

Skills

RN license (Delaware)

Post-op recovery experience

Pediatric and adult care

Special needs patients experience

CPR/BLS

PALS preferred

Communication & patient education

Team-oriented collaboration

Job description

RN – Post‑Op Sedation Recovery Nurse

Locations

Kent County & New Castle County, Delaware

Schedule

Weekly Shifts or Per Diem

Sedation Days

Rotating Monday–Thursday schedule, typically 7:30 AM–4:00 PM (end time varies based on last patient recovery)

About the Role

Our dental sedation centers in Kent and New Castle County are seeking an experienced and compassionate RN to join our Post‑Operative Sedation Recovery team. This role is ideal for a nurse who is confident in post‑anesthesia recovery, enjoys caring for pediatric and adult patients, and can provide calm, supportive care in a fast‑paced clinical environment. You will be responsible for ensuring safe, smooth recovery following IV sedation or general anesthesia for dental procedures. This includes monitoring vitals, supporting patients with varying levels of anxiety, and delivering clear, empathetic discharge instructions to parents and caregivers.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide post‑operative recovery care for pediatric, adult, and special‑needs patients following sedation or anesthesia
• Monitor and document post‑op vitals, airway status, pain levels, nausea, bleeding, and overall recovery progression
• Identify early signs of complications and elevate appropriately
• Offer calm, reassuring support to high‑anxiety patients and families
• Review and explain post‑operative care instructions to parents, guardians, and caregivers, ensuring understanding before discharge
• Assist with medical supply and medication inventory, including restocking, organization, and expiration tracking
• Maintain a clean, safe, and compliant recovery environment
• Collaborate closely with the dental sedation team, anesthesia providers, and administrative staff
• Support emergency protocols when needed
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation in accordance with clinical and regulatory standards
• Provide guidance on:
• Pain management expectations
• Diet progression and hydration
• Activity restrictions
• Bleeding control
• Oral hygiene instructions
• Signs of complications requiring follow‑up
• Assist with patient positioning, transfer, and comfort measures during recovery
• Uphold strict infection control and safety protocols

Qualifications

• Active RN license (Delaware)
• Experience in post‑op recovery, PACU, sedation, or anesthesia care required
• Strong comfort level with pediatric and adult patient populations
• Experience with special needs patients strongly preferred
• Ability to remain calm, supportive, and communicative with high‑anxiety patients and families
• Strong assessment skills and confidence in monitoring post‑sedation recovery
• CPR/BLS required; PALS preferred
• Excellent communication and patient‑education skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team‑oriented clinical environment

Schedule & Work Expectations

• Weekly or per‑diem shifts available
• Sedation days follow a rotating Monday–Thursday schedule
• Typical hours are 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, but the day ends after the final patient has safely recovered (may be earlier or later)
• No evenings, weekends, or major holidays

Compensation

Compensation based on experience and credentials.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Supportive, team‑focused work culture
• Opportunities for continuing education in sedation and clinical care
• A rewarding environment where you make a meaningful impact on patient comfort and safety

*Freedom Dental Health is committed to equal employment opportunity and it is our policy to ensure that employment-related decisions are made without regard to any classifications protected by applicable federal, state, or local law*