RN BRIDGE PACU -NIGHTS - OCTOBER 2026

Universal Health Services; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Shift differentials

Medical, dental, vision

Retirement with match

Tuition assistance

Wellness programs

PTO and holidays

Job summary

The George Washington University Hospital (a member of Universal Health Services) is seeking a PACU/Pre-Op Registered Nurse to deliver safe, evidence-based care. You will assess patients, monitor hemodynamics, manage airway and pain, and coordinate with surgical and anesthesia teams in a fast-paced environment.

Ideal candidates hold DC RN licensure with BLS/ACLS, 1+ year in PACU/ICU/ED, and strive to support patients and families throughout the surgical journey.

Qualifications

• Current RN license in the District of Columbia or eligibility.
• BLS and ACLS certification (AHA) required.
• Minimum 1 year of PACU/ICU/ED experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide nursing care in PACU and Pre-Op areas.
• Monitor vital signs, pain, and recovery status after anesthesia.
• Prepare patients for procedures, including IV initiation and education.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and care teams.
• Recognize and respond quickly to changes in patient condition.
• Document all patient care in the EMR.
• Educate and reassure patients and families throughout the surgical journey.

Skills

BLS certification

ACLS certification

Critical thinking

Education

BSN from an accredited program

CPAN or CAPA certification

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Responsibilities

About GW Hospital

The George Washington University Hospital is a 395-bed academic medical center located in the heart of Washington, D.C., in partnership with the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. As a nationally recognized center of clinical excellence and innovation, we provide world-class care across many specialties. Our nurses play a crucial role in shaping the patient experience, contributing to research, and advancing improvements in care outcomes.

Unit Overview

The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at The George Washington University Hospital provides high-quality, compassionate care for patients immediately following surgical or procedural interventions. Our PACU team specializes in monitoring post-anesthesia recovery, pain management, and stabilization to ensure safe transition to inpatient units or discharge. Nurses also play a key role in Pre-Op, preparing patients for surgery with thorough assessments, education, and individualized care planning.

Position Summary

The PACU/Pre-Op Registered Nurse (RN) delivers safe, evidence-based care for patients undergoing surgical procedures. Responsibilities include patient assessment, monitoring hemodynamic stability, airway management, pain control, patient/family education, and coordination with the surgical, anesthesia, and recovery teams. This role requires critical thinking, rapid response skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-centered environment.

Main Tasks

• Provide nursing care to patients in both the PACU and Pre-Op areas.
• Monitor vital signs, pain levels, and recovery status following anesthesia.
• Prepare patients for surgical procedures, including assessment, IV initiation, and education.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other care providers.
• Recognize and respond quickly to changes in patient condition.
• Document all aspects of patient care accurately in the EMR.
• Support patients and families with education and reassurance throughout the surgical journey.

Benefits Summary

• Competitive salary with shift differentials
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision
• Retirement plan with matching
• Tuition assistance and clinical education support
• Employee wellness programs
• Paid time off, holidays, and sick leave
• On-site parking and transit incentives

About Universal Health Services: One of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception into an esteemed Fortune 300 corporation, annual revenues were $15.8 billion in 2024. During the year, UHS was again recognized as one of the World's Most Admired Companies by Fortune; and listed in Forbes ranking of America's Largest Public Companies. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 99,000 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located all over the U.S. States, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. www.uhs.com

Qualifications

Required

• Current RN license in the District of Columbia (or eligible)
• BLS and ACLS certification (AHA)
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in PACU, ICU, or Emergency Department

Preferred

• CPAN or CAPA certification
• BSN from an accredited program
• Experience with high-acuity post-operative patients

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success.