Pre/Post Op PACU Registered Nurse (RN)

The University of Texas at Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 110,208,000 - 118,474,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Texas at Austin is seeking a Pre/Post Op PACU RN to deliver high-quality nursing care before and after surgery in the Dell Medical School. The role collaborates with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and perioperative staff to ensure safe patient transitions through the perioperative pathway.

Responsibilities include preparing patients preop, monitoring recovery, administering medications, coordinating admissions/discharges, and educating families on care plans.

Qualifications

• BSN required and Texas RN license.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in pre-operative or post-anesthesia care.
• CPAN and BLS certifications preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for surgery: assess physical and emotional needs, document vitals and history, start IVs and pre-op meds.
• Monitor post-anesthesia recovery: observe for anesthesia effects, track vitals, assess conscious level and comfort.

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN)

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

Job Details

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 regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Pay Transparency

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

E-Verify

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
• Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

Compliance

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act) ... The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.