Registered Nurse -RN/ Pre-surgery/Post Recovery

i4 Search Group Healthcare Recruiting; Kenosha (WI); On-site; USD 68,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Job summary

i4 Search Group Healthcare Recruiting is seeking a Pre-Surgery / Post-Recovery RN to provide end-to-end surgical care from pre-procedure prep through PACU recovery and discharge, acting as the patient safety advocate and supporting families throughout the surgical journey.

The role requires ADN and an active Wisconsin and/or Illinois RN license, along with BLS; ACLS/PALS are preferred or obtainable within a designated timeframe.

Qualifications

• RN license active in Wisconsin and/or Illinois (as assigned)
• BLS certification required on hire or within 6 weeks
• ACLS and PALS preferred (or to be obtained within timeframe)

Responsibilities

• Pre-Procedure Care: perform pre-operative assessments and readiness checks to reduce anxiety
• PACU & Recovery Management: monitor patients post-anesthesia, ensure airway stability and pain control
• Medication & Therapy Administration: deliver medications and IV therapies per policies
• Emergency Response: identify and respond to post-anesthesia complications
• Patient & Family Guidance: provide clear education and reassurance throughout perioperative care
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: coordinate with surgeons, anesthesiologists and perioperative team
• Environment & Safety: maintain organized, sanitized, and well-stocked work areas
• Mentorship: assist with orienting and training new staff and students

Education

ADN

BSN

Job description

Pre-Surgery / Post-Recovery Registered Nurse (RN)

What You’ll Be Doing (Core Role & Scope)

In this dual Pre-Op / PACU nursing role, you will deliver end-to-end care for surgical patients—from initial pre-procedure preparation through peri-anesthesia monitoring and final post-operative discharge. You’ll serve as the primary advocate for patient safety, comfort, and positive clinical outcomes while supporting both patients and their loved ones through every step of the surgical process.

Key Responsibilities

• Pre-Procedure Care: Perform thorough pre-operative assessments, verify surgical readiness, and address patient questions to help alleviate surgical anxiety.
• PACU & Recovery Management: Carefully monitor patients emerging from anesthesia, prioritizing airway stability, dynamic hemodynamic tracking, and pain control.
• Medication & Therapy Administration: Safely deliver medications, intravenous therapies, and prescribed medical treatments following established clinical policies.
• Emergency Response: Promptly identify and take decisive action regarding post-anesthesia complications or sudden changes in patient condition.
• Patient & Family Guidance: Deliver clear, empathetic educational instruction and reassurance throughout the pre- and post-surgery care phases.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work closely alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and the broader surgical team to maintain seamless care handoffs.
• Environment & Safety: Keep work areas organized, sanitized, fully supplied, and conducive to efficient healing.
• Mentorship: Assist with orienting and training newly hired nurses and student nurses within the perioperative unit.

Who We Are Looking For

Education

• Required: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Preferred: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Licensure & Certifications

• State RN License: Active Registered Nurse license in Wisconsin and/or Illinois (dependent on specific assignment location)
• BLS: Current American Heart Association or American Red Cross Basic Life Support certification (required upon hire, or obtainable within 6 weeks)
• Advanced Certifications: ACLS and PALS preferred (or must be obtained within a designated timeframe)

Work Experience

• Entry-Level: Welcomed to apply
• Preferred: Direct background in perioperative care, PACU, or critical care nursing
• Firm understanding of standard peri-anesthesia care protocols and recovery workflows
• Hands-on proficiency in advanced airway management, pain management strategies, and hemodynamic tracking
• Decisive action and composure under pressure in fast-paced or critical clinical events
• Outstanding interpersonal communication skills for effective team coordination
• High empathy, compassionate bedside manner, and strong instructional skills