Registered Nurse (RN), Days, PACU

Howard University Hospital; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 51,425 - 86,003; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Work-life balance

Health and disability benefits

403B retirement plan

HRSA Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Howard University Hospital in Washington DC is seeking a dedicated Registered Nurse- PACU to join the Perioperative department. This full-time position involves patient assessment, documentation, and providing support to patients and families.

The ideal candidate will possess an Associate's Degree in Nursing, valid RN license, and appropriate certifications. This role offers competitive benefits and a supportive workplace aligned with our heritage of excellence in patient care.

Qualifications

• Required: Active RN license in DC.
• BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications necessary.
• 2+ years of acute care experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess and evaluate patient care at bedside.
• Document patient care electronically.
• Delegate tasks to nursing assistants.
• Participate in performance improvement programs.

Skills

Patient care assessment

Documentation and record-keeping

Infection control practices

Delegation skills

Medication administration

Education

Associate's Degree in Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Current Registered Nurse license

American Heart Association BLS certification

American Heart Association ACLS certification

American Heart Association PALS certification

Job description

With over 150 years of caring for our community and each other in the Washington DC area, Howard University Hospital has a world-renowned reputation for high-quality, patient-centric care. Howard University Hospital is the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a Historically Black University and has created a superior learning environment, with groundbreaking research and positive patient outcomes.

Howard University Hospital seeks to hire a Registered Nurse- PACU in the Perioperative department, who will embrace our rich and historic tradition of excellence.

Full-time: 40hrs/week M-F Day shift 7:30am–6pm. May have a variable shift start. Call shifts required for nights and weekends.

As a Registered Nurse- PACU You Will

• Assesses, plans, intervenes & evaluates patient care at the bedside. Identifies patient care requirements by establishing personal rapport with patients, families and friends. Maintains patient confidence and protects operations by protecting/keeping confidential information by adhering to HIPAA Privacy policies and procedures. Establishes a compassionate environment by providing emotional, psychological and spiritual support to patients, friends and families.
• Documents (electronic) patient care and outcomes. Maintains continuity among nursing teams by documenting and communicating actions, irregularities and continuing needs.
• Delegates tasks to non-licensed personnel and assistants.
• Participates in unit performance improvement programs through ongoing design, assessment and measurement and performance improvement activities. Participate in other nursing and unit-based committees such as education, engagement and practice.
• Protect patients and employees by adhering to infection-control policies and protocols, medication administration and storage procedures and controlled substance regulations.
• Serves in the role of charge nurse with approval by the nurse manager.
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks and participating in professional societies.
• Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements, following manufacturer’s instructions, troubleshooting malfunctions, calling for repairs, maintaining equipment inventories and evaluating new equipment and techniques.
• Assumes other duties and responsibilities that are related and appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities are a general description of the level and natures of the work assigned to this classification and are not to be considered as all-inclusive.

Qualified Candidates Will Possess

• Associate's Degree in Nursing required.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred.
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the District of Columbia.
• Active American Heart Association Basic Life Support BLS certification required.
• Active American Heart Association Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support ACLS certification required.
• Active American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support PALS certification required.
• At least 2 years of RN acute care experience in hospital-based nursing, preferably PACU, ICU or ED due to higher acuity.
• Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) preferred.

Benefits

• Work-life balance.
• Recognition and rewards for professional expertise.
• Competitive, comprehensive benefit plans offered (including health, disability, vacation, sick leave, and 403B retirement plan).
• HRSA Loan Forgiveness available.

This position is covered under the DC Nurses Association (DCNA) collective bargaining agreement. Base pay range: $37.33–$62.43/hr, commensurate with experience and qualifications per the DCNA wage scale. Effective July 1, 2026, the base range will increase to $37.89–$63.36/hr per the updated collective bargaining agreement.

Additional compensation may include a night shift differential for qualifying evening/night shifts and a weekend differential for qualifying weekend shifts.

COMPLIANCE STATEMENTS

CULTURE OF CARE

Howard University Hospital supports a Just Culture that promotes accountability, learning, and patient safety.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Howard University Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

Howard University Hospital is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact the Human Resources Department at [e-mail].

PAY TRANSPARENCY

Salary ranges listed in job postings reflect the expected compensation range for the position and are provided in accordance with applicable pay transparency laws. Final compensation is determined based on experience, education, internal equity, and other relevant factors.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position.