Registered Nurse - PreOp​/PACU Somerset, NJ

About the Role:

The Registered Nurse in the Pre-Operative (Pre Op) and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) plays a critical role in ensuring patient safety and comfort before and after surgical procedures. This position involves comprehensive assessment, preparation, and monitoring of patients undergoing surgery, facilitating smooth transitions through the perioperative process. The nurse collaborates closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care.

By managing pain, monitoring vital signs, and responding promptly to any complications, the nurse helps optimize patient outcomes and recovery. Ultimately, this role is essential in maintaining a safe surgical environment and supporting patients and their families throughout the surgical experience.

• Current and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of New Jersey.
• Completion of an accredited nursing program (Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing).
• Current BLS and ACLS certification.
• Prior experience or clinical exposure in perioperative nursing, specifically in Pre Op and PACU settings.
• Strong knowledge of surgical procedures, anesthesia recovery, and patient monitoring protocols.

• Advanced certifications such as Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) or Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA).
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree.
• Experience working in a fast-paced hospital surgical unit.
• Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and perioperative documentation software.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills demonstrated in multidisciplinary healthcare environments.

• Conduct thorough preoperative assessments including reviewing patient history, medications, and allergies to prepare patients for surgery.
• Provide patient education and emotional support to alleviate anxiety and ensure understanding of surgical procedures and postoperative care.
• Monitor patients closely in the PACU, assessing vital signs, level of consciousness, and pain management to detect and respond to any postoperative complications.
• Collaborate with the surgical team to ensure timely and safe patient handoffs between preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases.
• Document all nursing care activities accurately and maintain compliance with hospital policies and regulatory standards.

The required skills enable the nurse to perform detailed patient assessments and deliver safe, effective care throughout the surgical process. Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking are essential for monitoring patients’ conditions and responding to emergencies in the PACU. Effective communication skills facilitate clear information exchange with patients, families, and the surgical team, ensuring coordinated care. Familiarity with electronic health records supports accurate documentation and compliance with healthcare regulations.

Preferred skills such as advanced certifications and experience with perioperative technology enhance the nurse’s ability to provide specialized care and contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives.