Registered Nurse; RN - Preop​/PACU Nurse

Pre-Op/PACU Nurse Job Description

Outpatient Orthopaedic Surgery Center

The Pre-Op/PACU Nurse is responsible for providing high-quality nursing care to patients before and after surgical procedures in an outpatient orthopaedic surgery center. This role includes preoperative assessment and preparation, postoperative recovery monitoring, patient education, pain management, and coordination of care to ensure safe and efficient surgical experiences and discharge outcomes.

• Perform comprehensive preoperative nursing assessments, including review of medical history, medications, allergies, and surgical consents.
• Verify patient identification, procedure, site, and physician orders in accordance with safety protocols.
• Prepare patients for surgery by initiating IV access, administering prescribed medications, completing documentation, and ensuring appropriate laboratory and diagnostic results are available.
• Educate patients and family members regarding surgical procedures, postoperative expectations, discharge instructions, and recovery processes.
• Communicate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, operating room staff, and other team members regarding patient status or concerns.
• Ensure compliance with infection control, patient safety, and accreditation standards.

• Monitor patients during the immediate postoperative recovery phase, including airway management, vital signs, pain control, neurological status, and surgical site assessment.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition or postoperative complications.
• Administer medications and treatments as ordered, including pain management and nausea control.
• Evaluate patient readiness for discharge using established criteria and physician protocols.
• Provide postoperative instructions to patients and caregivers regarding medications, activity restrictions, wound care, and follow-up appointments.
• Document all patient care activities accurately and thoroughly within the electronic medical record.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized clinical environment.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, infection prevention practices, and emergency preparedness activities.
• Assist with stocking supplies and maintaining equipment as needed.
• Support efficient patient flow and scheduling throughout the surgical day.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and professionalism in accordance with HIPAA guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of Georgia.
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications required.
• PALS certification preferred.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of nursing experience preferred; prior pre-op, PACU, surgical, or orthopaedic experience strongly preferred.
• Strong assessment, critical thinking, and communication skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced outpatient surgical environment.
• Knowledge of postoperative recovery standards and discharge criteria.

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and assist patients as needed.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks and use standard clinical equipment.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to assess patient conditions and respond to alarms and equipmen