Registered Nurse - Pre-Op/PACU

Vantage Health Partners; Kenosha (WI); On-site; USD 40,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Vantage Health Partners in Kenosha, WI is seeking a Registered Nurse for a full-time, on-site Pre-Op/PACU role. You will provide perioperative care from pre-surgical assessment to post-anesthesia recovery.

Responsibilities include assessments, PACU monitoring, airway support, pain management, and collaboration with surgical and anesthesia teams to ensure safe, coordinated care for patients.

Qualifications

• Associate Degree in Nursing required; BSN preferred.
• Active RN license in Wisconsin and/or Illinois.
• BLS certification required or obtainable within 6 weeks of hire.
• Knowledge of peri-anesthesia care and recovery protocols.
• Ability to perform airway management and hemodynamic monitoring.
• Experience in pre-operative and post-anesthesia settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive pre-operative patient assessments and document findings.
• Monitor and manage patients emerging from anesthesia in the PACU.
• Maintain airway patency and support respiratory function during recovery.
• Assess and manage pain using evidence-based protocols.
• Monitor hemodynamic status and respond to changes in vital signs.
• Administer medications and IV therapies according to orders.
• Identify and respond promptly to post-anesthesia complications.
• Educate patients and families on pre- and post-operative care.
• Collaborate with surgical, anesthesia, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Maintain accurate clinical documentation per facility standards.
• Ensure safe transfers and discharge readiness from the PACU.

Skills

Pre-operative assessment

PACU care

Airway management

Pain assessment & management

Vital signs monitoring

Medications administration

Patient education

Team collaboration

Education

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

BSN preferred

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

Description

We are seeking a Registered Nurse for a full-time, on-site Pre-Op/PACU position in Kenosha, Wisconsin. This role offers the opportunity to deliver high-quality perioperative nursing care across the surgical continuum, from pre-surgical assessment through post-anesthesia recovery.

As a Registered Nurse in Pre-Op/PACU, you will assess patients before surgery, monitor and manage those emerging from anesthesia in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, and respond promptly to post-anesthesia complications. You will administer medications and IV therapies, educate patients and families, and collaborate closely with surgical and anesthesia teams to ensure safe, coordinated, and compassionate care.

This position offers a competitive hourly pay rate of $29 to $44 per hour, depending on years of experience. Entry-level applicants and new graduates are welcome to apply.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive pre-operative patient assessments and document findings accurately
• Monitor and manage patients emerging from anesthesia in the PACU
• Maintain airway patency and support respiratory function during recovery
• Assess and manage pain using evidence-based protocols
• Monitor hemodynamic status and respond to changes in vital signs
• Administer medications and IV therapies according to physician orders and protocols
• Identify and respond promptly to post-anesthesia complications
• Educate patients and families on pre- and post-operative care instructions
• Collaborate with surgical, anesthesia, and interdisciplinary team members
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in accordance with facility standards
• Ensure safe patient transfers and discharge readiness from the PACU

Requirements

• Associate Degree in Nursing required; Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred
• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in Wisconsin and/or Illinois
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, or ability to obtain within 6 weeks of hire
• Knowledge of peri-anesthesia care and recovery protocols
• Ability to perform airway management and support respiratory function
• Ability to perform hemodynamic monitoring and interpret results
• Ability to assess and manage pain
• Ability to perform patient assessments in pre-operative and post-anesthesia settings
• Preferred: Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification
• Preferred: Experience in perioperative, PACU, or critical care nursing