RN - Pre/PACU

Community Health Systems; Sahuarita (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401K

PTO

Tuition assistance

Loan reimbursement program

Job summary

Northwest Sahuarita Hospital in Sahuarita, AZ seeks a full-time PACU/Pre-Op RN to provide patient-centered care across the perioperative continuum. The RN coordinates with physicians and staff, performs assessments, administers medications, and educates patients and families on post-operative care.

Requirements include 1–2 years of acute care nursing experience, state licensure as an RN, and BCLS certification.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role in an acute care setting.
• RN licensure and BCLS certification required; ACLS/PALS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver high-quality, patient-centered care per nursing process.
• Assess patients, document findings, and report changes to care team.
• Administer medications and monitor for side effects.
• Collaborate with physicians and staff to develop and evaluate care plans.
• Respond to emergencies and participate in CPR and code team activities.
• Educate patients and families on post-operative care and discharge instructions.
• Maintain infection control practices and safe equipment operation.
• Document care promptly and participate in performance improvement initiatives.

Skills

Nursing process

Patient assessment

Medication administration

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Documentation accuracy

Infection control

Patient education

Emergency response

Education

RN licensure - state or compact

Job description

This is a full-time PACU / Pre Op RN position at Northwest Sahuarita Hospital.

The Registered Nurse (RN) provides patient-centered care through the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This role is responsible for coordinating and delivering high-quality care based on established clinical protocols and physician/provider orders. The RN collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care and desired outcomes, while maintaining a supportive and compassionate environment for patients and their families.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates and delivers high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.
• Conducts thorough patient assessments and documents findings accurately, reporting changes in condition to the appropriate care team members.
• Utilizes knowledge of human growth and development to provide age-appropriate care and education.
• Administers prescribed medications, monitors for side effects, and documents administration in accordance with standards of practice.
• Assists physicians during procedures within the scope of documented competency and skill level.
• Collaborates with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans based on patient assessments and needs.
• Responds to medical emergencies and participates in life-saving interventions, such as CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.
• Advocates for the rights and needs of patients, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in care planning and delivery.
• Provides patient and family education on medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care, ensuring understanding and adherence to instructions.
• Implements and adheres to infection control protocols to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
• Monitors and operates medical equipment (e.g., IV pumps, monitors, ventilators) as needed for patient care and safety.
• Promotes patient safety by adhering to National Patient Safety Goals and maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and staff.
• Participates in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to standards of practice and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrates responsible decision-making in planning, delegating, and providing care based on patient needs and organizational policies.
• Documents patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical record.
• Engages in professional development to maintain clinical competency and understanding of current nursing standards and regulations.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development, to enhance patient outcomes and care delivery.
• PACU RN:
  • Assesses the patient's level of consciousness and responsiveness as they wake up from anesthesia.
  • Evaluates pain levels and administers pain medications as prescribed.
  • Observes any side effects of anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, shivering, or muscle aches.
  • Monitors for and respond to any post-operative complications.
  • Administers medications, including pain relievers and other post-operative medications, as prescribed.
  • Regulates intravenous (IV) fluids and monitor fluid balance.
  • Checks and changes dressings on surgical wounds.
  • Ensures a clear airway and provide oxygen support as needed.
  • Educates patients and families about post-surgery care, potential complications, and discharge instructions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role in an acute care setting required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of the nursing process and clinical nursing practices.
• Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively.
• Proficient in administering medications and monitoring for side effects.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting patient care.
• Knowledge of safety standards, infection control, and quality improvement initiatives.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support required
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred
• Refer to facility or unit-specific guidelines for additional requirements.

As a core employee with Northwest Healthcare, you will be eligible for competitivebase pay, night shift incentives, and a robust total rewards compensation package. Included in our benefits package includessome of the following: health insurance, dental, vision, 401K, PTO and more! You can also qualify for tuition assistanceand a loan reimbursement program up to $20,000K for qualified programs.

Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita is an 18-bed neighborhood hospital offering medical/surgical inpatient beds, two operating rooms and a 14-bed emergency room. Our focus is on providing safe, patient-centered care to our community and each employee is valued for their contribution, whether caring for patients or supporting the operations of the hospital. We're proud to be creating a fun, collaborative culture that encourages our team to do their best work. Northwest Medical Center Sahuarita is accredited by The Joint Commission and is an equal opportunity employer: race, gender, disability and Veteran status, and VEVRAA Federal Contractor - priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

Job Info

• Job Identification 164419
• Job Category Nursing
• Posting Date 09/21/2026, 08:04 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Job Shift Day
• Locations 16260 S Rancho Sahuarita Blvd, Sahuarita, AZ, 85629, US