Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse (RN) – Pre-Post Care Unit (PPCU)

The Registered Nurse (RN) in the Pre-Post Care Unit (PPCU) provides safe, compassionate, and evidence-based nursing care to patients before and after surgical and procedural interventions. The RN is responsible for comprehensive patient assessment, preparation for procedures, post-anesthesia recovery, pain and symptom management, patient education, and discharge planning. The RN works collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, procedural staff, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care.

Registered Nurses are required to participate in scheduled weekday, weekend, and/or holiday call assignments as determined by departmental staffing needs.

• Complete a comprehensive nursing assessment upon patient arrival to the PPCU.
• Verify patient identification, procedure, consent, allergies, medical history, medications, and relevant laboratory/diagnostic results.
• Obtain and document vital signs and focused assessments.
• Establish and maintain IV access as appropriate.
• Administer medications and treatments as ordered, including pre-procedure medications.
• Review NPO status and identify medications or clinical conditions requiring provider notification.
• Prepare patients for surgical or procedural interventions according to established policies and protocols.
• Ensure required laboratory results, diagnostic studies, consultations, and documentation are complete prior to the procedure.
• Identify changes in patient condition and promptly communicate concerns to the appropriate provider.
• Provide emotional support and education to patients and families regarding the planned procedure and expectations.

• Receive patients from the operating room, procedure area, PACU, or inpatient units and complete an appropriate post-procedure assessment.
• Monitor airway, respiratory status, cardiovascular status, level of consciousness, pain, nausea/vomiting, and surgical sites.
• Recognize and respond promptly to changes in patient condition and potential complications.
• Administer medications, IV fluids, and other treatments as ordered.
• Monitor and manage pain and postoperative nausea according to established protocols.
• Monitor surgical sites, dressings, drains, and other devices as applicable.
• Maintain appropriate monitoring and reassessment until discharge criteria are met.
• Communicate significant assessment findings and changes in condition to anesthesia providers, surgeons, or other appropriate healthcare providers.

• Assess patients for readiness for discharge based on established criteria and provider orders.
• Provide patients and caregivers with verbal and written discharge instructions.
• Educate patients regarding medications, wound care, activity restrictions, diet, follow-up appointments, and signs and symptoms requiring medical attention.
• Confirm that the patient has an appropriate responsible adult/caregiver and transportation when required.
• Ensure discharge documentation is complete and accurate.
• Promote patient understanding through effective communication and teach-back methods.

• Maintain a safe patient care environment and follow hospital, departmental, and regulatory standards.
• Follow infection prevention and control practices.
• Maintain accurate and timely electronic medical record documentation.
• Participate in medication safety, surgical safety, fall prevention, and other quality initiatives.
• Recognize and appropriately escalate patient safety concerns.
• Participate in emergency response and resuscitation activities as required.
• Maintain competency in equipment, procedures, medications, and emergency protocols utilized within the PPCU.

• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, physicians, advanced practice providers, surgical staff, laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Provide accurate and timely handoff communication during patient transitions.
• Coordinate care to promote efficient patient flow and minimize delays in surgical and procedural schedules.
• Communicate…