Pre/Post Op PACU Registered Nurse (RN)

Dell Medical School; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 47,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Dell Medical School in Austin is seeking a Pre-Op/PACU Registered Nurse to provide high-quality perioperative care before and after surgery. You will prepare patients for procedures, monitor anesthesia recovery, and coordinate with surgeons and anesthesiologists to ensure smooth transitions.

Required: BSN and TX RN license, at least 2 years in preoperative or PACU care. Preferred: MSN and CPAN/BLS certifications. Salary starts at $39.42/hr with standard benefits.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing and Texas RN license required.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in pre-operative or post-anesthesia care.
• BSN with RN license in TX required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for surgery, assess needs, record vitals and histories.
• Monitor recovery from anesthesia, observe for side effects, track vitals.
• Administer pain meds and post-operative care; change dressings as needed.

Skills

Patient assessment

Vital signs

IV insertion

Post-anesthesia care

Care coordination

Patient education

Emotional support

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN)

Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN) or related field

Tools

CPAN

BLS

Job description

PURPOSE

The Pre-Op/PACU RN is responsible for providing high-quality care to patients before and after surgical procedures. This role involves preparing patients for surgery, monitoring their recovery from anesthesia, and ensuring a smooth transition through the perioperative process. The Pre-op/PACU RN reports to the Pre-op/PACU Charge Nurse and works closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Prepare Patients for Surgery

• Assess patients' physical and emotional needs.
• Take and record vital signs and medical histories.
• Initiate IVs and administer pre-operative medications.

Monitor Post-Anesthesia Recovery

• Observe patients for side effects of anesthesia.
• Monitor and record patient vital signs.
• Assess patients' level of consciousness and comfort.

Administer Medications and Treatments

• Administer pain medications and other treatments as necessary.
• Change wound dressings and provide post-operative care.
• Ensure patients receive appropriate pain management.

Coordinate Patient Care

• Communicate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Coordinate patient admissions, transfers, and discharges.
• Provide detailed handovers to the next shift.

Educate Patients and Families

• Provide pre- and post-operative care instructions to patients and their families.
• Answer questions and address concerns regarding surgery and recovery.
• Offer emotional support and reassurance.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN)
• At least 2 year(s) of experience in in pre-operative or post-anesthesia care.
• Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Texas.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN) or related field
• At least 3 year(s) of experience in pre-operative or post-anesthesia care
• Supervisory experience.
• Certification in Post-Anesthesia Nursing (CPAN) and Basic Life Support (BLS).

Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

SALARY RANGE

$39.42/hr + depending on qualifications

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/EQUIPMENT

• Standard office equipment
• Repetitive use of a keyboard
• May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients, or others.

REQUIRED MATERIALS

• Resume/CV
• 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor
• Letter of interest