Registered Nurse- Pre-Op/PACU

Ontario Trillium Foundation; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Trillium Foundation is seeking a Pre-Op/PACU Registered Nurse to deliver professional nursing care in a surgery center's pre-operative and PACU setting. You will perform pre-operative assessments, start IVs, educate patients, and coordinate with anesthesia and the surgical team.

In PACU you will monitor airway, breathing, circulation, pain, and consciousness; administer medications; support patients and families during recovery, and document all care in the EMR.

Qualifications

• Current RN license required.
• Experience in pre-operative and PACU care is preferred.
• ACLS/PALS protocols knowledge or training is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Perform pre-operative assessments including history, vitals, and medication reconciliation.
• Educate patients and families about procedures, anesthesia, and recovery expectations.
• Start IVs and administer pre-operative medications as needed.
• Coordinate care with anesthesia, surgical team, and staff.
• In PACU, monitor airway, breathing, circulation, pain, and consciousness.
• Administer prescribed meds and treatments and manage pain.
• Provide support and education during recovery.
• Document care and assessments in the EMR.
• Respond to emergencies per ACLS/PALS as applicable.

Skills

Assessment

Critical thinking

IV insertion

Medication administration

Emergency response

Interpersonal communication

EMR documentation

Patient safety

Education

Registered Nurse (RN) license

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Job Summary: The Pre-Op/PACU Registered Nurse is responsible for providing professional nursing care to patients in the pre-operative and post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) of a surgery center. The RN ensures safe, efficient, and compassionate care before and after surgical or procedural interventions. This position requires critical thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Pre-Operative Duties:

• Conduct pre-operative assessments including medical history review, vital signs, and medication reconciliation.
• Educate patients and families regarding the surgical procedure, anesthesia process, and post-operative expectations.
• Confirm patient identity, surgical procedure, and consent forms per protocol.
• Start IVs, administer pre-operative medications, and ensure proper surgical site markings are completed.
• Collaborate with anesthesia, surgical team, and administrative staff to coordinate care.

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Duties:

• Receive patients from the operating room and monitor them through the immediate post-anesthesia period.
• Assess airway, breathing, circulation, pain, level of consciousness, and surgical site.
• Administer medications and treatments as prescribed, including pain management.
• Provide emotional support and education to patients and families during recovery.
• Monitor for complications and respond to emergencies following ACLS/PALS protocols as applicable.
• Document all care and assessments thoroughly and accurately in the electronic medical record.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize effectively.
• Proficient in IV insertion, medication administration, and emergency response.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Familiarity with EMR systems and documentation standards.
• Committed to patient safety and infection control practices.

Working Conditions:

• Fast-paced ambulatory surgery environment.
• Frequent standing, walking, lifting, and exposure to bodily fluids and sharp instruments.
• May be required to work extended shifts depending on patient needs.