Registered Nurse (RN) - Pre-Op/PACU

Coryell Health; Gatesville (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

At Coryell Health, the Registered Nurse (RN) – Pre-Op/PACU provides compassionate, safe, and efficient perioperative nursing care to surgical patients before and after procedures. Prepare patients for surgery, monitor recovery, and coordinate care with surgeons and anesthesia providers.

Texas RN license with BLS, ACLS and PALS certifications are required or obtained within the specified timeframe. Strong assessment and communication skills are essential in a fast-paced perioperative environment.

Qualifications

• Active RN license in Texas (or eligibility) and current BLS certification.
• ACLS certification required or obtained within the required timeframe.
• PALS certification required or obtained within the required timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive pre-operative nursing assessments and obtain patient history.
• Prepare patients for surgical procedures, including medication reconciliation, IV access, and required testing.
• Provide patient and family education regarding the surgical procedure, anesthesia, and recovery process.
• Monitor patients in PACU following surgery and assess airway, vitals, pain, and recovery status.
• Administer medications and IV fluids as ordered and respond to changes in condition.

Skills

Critical thinking

Communication

Organizational skills

Calm under pressure

Job description

Brief Description

The Registered Nurse (RN) – Pre-Op/PACU provides compassionate, safe, and efficient nursing care to surgical patients before and after procedures. This position is responsible for preparing patients for surgery, monitoring patients during recovery from anesthesia, recognizing changes in patient condition, and coordinating care with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and the surgical team.

Brief Description

The Registered Nurse (RN) – Pre-Op/PACU provides compassionate, safe, and efficient nursing care to surgical patients before and after procedures. This position is responsible for preparing patients for surgery, monitoring patients during recovery from anesthesia, recognizing changes in patient condition, and coordinating care with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and the surgical team.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive pre-operative nursing assessments and obtain appropriate patient history.
• Prepare patients for surgical procedures, including medication reconciliation, IV access, and required testing.
• Provide patient and family education regarding the surgical procedure, anesthesia, and recovery process.
• Monitor patients closely in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) following surgery.
• Assess airway, respiratory status, vital signs, pain, nausea, level of consciousness, and surgical site.
• Administer medications, IV fluids, and other treatments as ordered.
• Recognize and respond promptly to changes in patient condition or complications.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the medical record.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, and other healthcare professionals.
• Ensure patients meet established criteria for transfer or discharge from PACU.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized patient care environment.
• Follow hospital policies, procedures, infection-control standards, and applicable nursing regulations.
• Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

Requirements

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Texas or eligible for Texas licensure.
• Current BLS certification required.
• ACLS certification required or obtained within the required timeframe.
• PALS certification required or obtained within the required timeframe, as applicable.
• Previous perioperative, pre-op, PACU, critical care, or emergency nursing experience preferred.
• Strong assessment, critical-thinking, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to remain calm and make sound clinical decisions in a fast-paced surgical environment.

Summary

At Coryell Health, you'll be part of a close-knit healthcare team where your expertise directly impacts the patients and families we serve. Our surgical services team is committed to providing safe, high-quality care while supporting one another and creating opportunities to grow professionally.