Pre/Post Op PACU Registered Nurse (RN)

utaustin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Pre/Post Op PACU Registered Nurse to support patients before and after surgery in Austin, TX. You will collaborate with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and the perioperative team to ensure smooth transitions and safe care across the surgical pathway.

The role requires a BSN, Texas RN license, and at least 2 years in pre-operative or post-anesthesia care, with preferred MSN and CPAN/BLS credentials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) required.
• At least 2 years of experience in pre-operative or post-anesthesia care.
• RN license in the state of Texas.
• Preferred: MSN or related field; 3 years of experience in pre-operative or post-anesthesia care.
• Supervisor experience is a plus.
• Certification in CPAN and Basic Life Support (BLS) appreciated.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for surgery by assessing needs and vitals.
• Monitor post-anesthesia recovery and record vitals.
• Administer pain meds and wound care as needed.
• Coordinate admissions, transfers, and discharges with the care team.
• Educate patients and families on pre- and post-operative care.

Skills

Clinical nursing

Patient assessment

Vital signs

Team communication

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Master's Degree in Nursing (MSN)

Job description

Job Posting Title: Pre/Post Op PACU Registered Nurse (RN)

Hiring Department: Dell Medical School

Position Open To: All Applicants

Weekly Scheduled Hours: 40

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt from FLSA

Earliest Start Date: Immediately

Position Duration: Expected to Continue

Location: AUSTIN, TX

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

Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer , complies with all applicable federal and state laws r