Registered Nurse- Pre-Op/PACU

Perkins Plaza Ambulatory Surgery Center; Baton Rouge (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Perkins Plaza Ambulatory Surgery Center is seeking an experienced Pre-Op/PACU Registered Nurse to provide compassionate, evidence-based care in a fast-paced ambulatory setting. You will perform pre-operative assessments, manage IV access, administer medications, and monitor patients through PACU, ensuring safety and pain control.

The role requires strong critical thinking, excellent communication, and teamwork to coordinate with anesthesia and surgical staff for optimal outcomes.

Qualifications

• Active RN license in Louisiana.
• PACU/ perioperative experience preferred.
• Strong communication and patient teaching skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional nursing care in pre-operative and PACU settings.
• Educate patients and families about procedures, anesthesia, and recovery expectations.
• Perform pre-operative assessments and verify identity, procedure, and consent forms.
• Indicate IV access and administer pre-operative medications per protocol.
• Monitor airway, breathing, circulation, and pain post-anesthesia; respond to emergencies per ACLS/PALS as applicable.
• Document care and assessments in the EMR accurately.

Skills

Critical thinking

Communication

IV insertion

Team collaboration

Patient safety

Education

RN license

BSN preferred

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.