Staff Nurse - Perianesthesia

UNC Health Care; Old Farm (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

UNC Health Care in Lenoir, North Carolina is seeking a Perianesthesia Nurse for full-time work. This role entails delivering comprehensive nursing care to surgical patients during their preoperative and postoperative phases. Candidates must have a current RN license in North Carolina and be flexible to respond on-call within 20 minutes. The position is on-site, requiring collaboration with surgical providers and monitoring of patient safety and well-being. Strong critical thinking and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in North Carolina or eligibility for licensure.
• Minimum nursing experience preferred in perioperative, PACU, ICU, or emergency nursing.

Responsibilities

• Deliver preoperative and postoperative nursing care to surgical patients.
• Monitor patients for stability and manage potential complications.
• Collaborate with surgical and anesthesia teams.

Skills

Critical thinking

Assessment skills

Communication skills

Education

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing

Tools

BLS

ACLS

PALS

Job description

Description

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 teammates, whose mission is to improve the health and well‑being of the unique communities we serve.

Summary

The Perianesthesia Nurse delivers comprehensive nursing care to surgical patients during the preoperative and postoperative phases. This position requires clinical expertise, flexibility, and the ability to respond effectively in fast‑paced, high‑acuity environments. The nurse will flex between DSU and PACU as operational needs require.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, compassionate preoperative and postoperative nursing care to patients undergoing surgical and procedural interventions.
• Conduct thorough patient assessments, including medical history review, pre‑op preparation, and post‑anesthesia monitoring.
• Monitor patients for physiological stability, pain control, airway management, and potential complications following anesthesia.
• Administer medications and treatments in accordance with provider orders and hospital policies.
• Collaborate closely with anesthesia providers, surgeons, and the interdisciplinary care team to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Educate patients and families regarding procedures, recovery expectations, and discharge instructions.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Flex between DSU and PACU to support patient flow and staffing needs.
• Participate in on‑call rotation with a required 20‑minute response time.

Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

Experience

• Minimum prior nursing experience, with preference for perioperative, PACU, ICU, or emergency nursing experience.

Licensure, Registration, and Certification

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of North Carolina (or eligible for licensure).

Certifications

• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

Other Skills and Qualifications

• Ability to respond to on‑call needs within 20 minutes.
• Strong critical thinking, assessment, and communication skills.
• Commitment to patient safety, quality care, and teamwork.

Work Environment

• Must be able to meet the demands of being "on‑call" and working in a high‑stress area. Exposure to BBP requiring the use of PPR. Exposure to other infectious diseases and x‑rays.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to speak distinctly, hear, see, lift, reach, stand and walk. Must be able to assist in moving patients using good body mechanics.

Job Details

Legal Employer: Lenoir Health.

Entity: UNC Lenoir Health Care.

Organization Unit: PACU.

Work Type: Full Time.

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00.

Work Assignment Type: Onsite.

Work Schedule: Day Job.

Location of Job: LENOIR MEM.

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran or political affiliation.