Perianesthesia RN

About UsAt Vitruvian Health, we serve with compassion. As northwest Georgia and southeast Tennessee’s leading healthcare system, we are committed not only to the health of our communities, but also to the growth, support, and success of our team members.

Formerly Hamilton Health Care System, Vitruvian Health is built on a legacy of trust, innovation, and exceptional care. With over 80 points of access across the region, including Hamilton Medical Center and Bradley Medical Center, we offer the opportunity to be part of something bigger: a connected, mission-driven team changing lives every day.

Our core values, Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity, and Excellence (PRIDE), guide everything we do. We believe in empowering our people, celebrating differences, and delivering care that reflects the heart of our mission.

Join us and build a meaningful career where you’re valued, inspired, and supported to make a real impact.

Excellence. Every person. Every time.

Job Summary The Perianesthesia Registered Nurse is responsible for providing safe, competent, and patient‑centered nursing care to patients during the immediate and extended postoperative phases of recovery following anesthesia and surgical or procedural interventions. This role includes continuous monitoring of physiological and psychological status, recognition and management of postoperative complications, pain and symptom control, patient and family education, and coordination of care through discharge or transfer.

The Perianesthesia RN practices in accordance with professional nursing standards, facility policies and procedures, accreditation standards, federal and state regulations, and evidence‑based perianesthesia guidelines to ensure optimal patient outcomes and a safe recovery environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Clinical Care and Patient Monitoring Receives patients from the operating/procedure room and conducts a comprehensive handoff using approved communication tools.

Performs ongoing assessment and documentation of airway patency, respiratory status, cardiovascular stability, neurological status, level of consciousness, pain, nausea/vomiting, temperature, intake/output, and surgical site condition.

Identifies and responds promptly to actual or potential postoperative complications, including but not limited to respiratory compromise, hemodynamic instability, pain crisis, nausea/vomiting, bleeding, allergic reactions, and anesthesia‑related adverse events.

Initiates and manages appropriate nursing interventions and emergency procedures within scope of practice.

Administers medications and IV fluids safely and accurately, including pain management, antiemetics, and emergency medications, following provider orders and facility protocols.

Maintains IV access and monitors infusion therapy as required.

Provides postoperative wound, drain, and device management.

Airway, Oxygenation, and Safety Maintains patient airway and oxygenation using appropriate techniques and equipment in collaboration with anesthesia personnel.

Operates and monitors recovery room equipment (e.g., pulse oximetry, cardiac monitoring, oxygen delivery systems, suction, emergency equipment).Ensures proper patient positioning to promote airway patency, comfort, and safety.

Implements fall prevention and patient safety measures at all times.

Pain Management and Comfort Care Assesses pain using appropriate pain scales and reassesses effectiveness of interventions.

Implements pharmacologic and non‑pharmacologic pain management strategies per orders and protocols.

Provides comfort measures, emotional support, and reassurance to patients and families.

Discharge and Patient Education Determines readiness for discharge based on established clinical criteria and scoring systems.

Provides clear verbal and written discharge instructions to patients and caregivers, including pain management, wound care, activity restrictions, medications, follow‑up appointments, and when to seek medical attention.

Ensures patients meet discharge criteria and have appropriate transportation and support prior to discharge.

Documents patient understanding of discharge instructions.

Collabora…