PRE-OP​/PACU Registered Nurse

Position Summary:

Centurion Surgery Center is seeking an experienced and patient-focused PRE-OP/PACU Registered Nurse to join our ambulatory surgery team. This dual-role position provides comprehensive nursing care by supporting patients throughout the surgical experience—from pre-op through post-anesthesia recovery.

The PRE-OP/PACU Registered Nurse serves as a circulating nurse during surgical procedures and provides skilled post-anesthesia care, ensuring patient safety, clinical excellence, and exceptional patient outcomes. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, adaptable professional with strong perioperative nursing skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality outpatient surgical care.

• PRE-OP Nurse.

• Verify patient identity using two approved identifiers.
• Confirm scheduled procedure, operative site, surgeon, and laterality.
• Verify allergies and ensure allergy alerts are appropriately documented.
• Apply and verify patient identification and allergy bands as applicable.
• Confirm required fall-risk and other safety assessments.

• Verify a current History & Physical (H&P) is present and meets facility requirements.
• Ensure the required day-of-surgery H&P update/reassessment is completed by the appropriate provider.
• Confirm surgical/procedure and anesthesia consents are complete, signed and witnessed as required.
• Review preoperative orders and verify completion.
• Complete the nursing preoperative assessment and required documentation in the EMR.
• Identify incomplete documentation and elevate deficiencies before the patient proceeds to the OR/procedure room.

• Obtain and document baseline vital signs, pain level, height, and weight.
• Complete medication reconciliation, including verification of the patient's last doses.
• Review medical history, surgical history, and relevant anesthesia history.
• Assess for changes in the patient's condition since the preoperative evaluation.
• Verify NPO status and document the patient's last oral intake.
• Screen for recent illness, infection, fever, wounds, or other conditions that could affect the procedure.
• Complete pregnancy testing when clinically indicated and required by facility policy.

• Ensure the patient is appropriately changed and prepared for the procedure.
• Secure personal belongings according to facility policy.
• Remove jewelry, dentures, contacts, hearing aids, or other items when appropriate.
• Initiate IV access and administer IV fluids according to orders.
• Administer ordered preoperative medications and antibiotics within the appropriate timeframe.
• Complete skin preparation, clipping, or other procedure-specific preparation when ordered.
• Apply SCDs or other prophylactic measures when indicated.

• Confirm the anesthesia provider has completed the required pre-anesthesia assessment.
• Verify the surgeon has completed required documentation and site marking when applicable.
• Confirm implants, special equipment, medications, blood products, or other patient‑specific needs are available when applicable.
• Communicate relevant clinical concerns to anesthesia, the surgeon, and the OR/procedure team before transport.
• Ensure all required preoperative checklist elements are complete before releasing the patient to the operative team.

• Explain the preoperative process and what the patient can expect before and immediately after the procedure.
• Reinforce postoperative instructions as appropriate.
• Address patient questions and notify the provider when questions require clinical clarification.
• Verify the responsible adult/driver and postoperative transportation arrangements when required.
• Maintain patient privacy, dignity, and confidentiality throughout the preoperative process.

• Complete a thorough handoff to the OR/procedure-room nurse using the facility's standardized communication process.
• Communicate allergies, medications, abnormal findings, relevant medical history, IV status, antibiotics, implants, and special precautions.
• Verify the chart and required documentation are complete before…