Registered Nurse ASC (RN) PRN (31477)

JOB DESCRIPTION - Perioperative Registered Nurse (Periop RN)

Title:                                    Perioperative Registered Nurse

Responsible to:          Director of Nursing

Position Summary

The Perioperative Registered Nurse (Periop RN) is responsible for providing nursing care throughout the perioperative continuum, including preoperative assessment, intraoperative circulating duties, procedural monitoring, postoperative recovery, patient education, and discharge planning. The Periop RN collaborates with physicians, anesthesia providers, and other team members to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care in the ambulatory surgery center.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Preoperative Care

• Perform preoperative nursing assessments and patient interviews.
• Review medical history, medications, allergies, laboratory results, and physician orders.
• Verify informed consent, procedure site, and required documentation.
• Prepare patients for procedures according to established policies and protocols.
• Provide patient and family education regarding the procedure and postoperative expectations.

Intraoperative Care

• Function as a circulating nurse during surgical and procedural cases.
• Maintain a safe and sterile environment.
• Assist with patient positioning and ensure patient safety throughout the procedure.
• Complete required documentation accurately and timely.
• Communicate effectively with physicians, anesthesia providers, and surgical staff.

Procedural Monitoring

• Monitor patients undergoing procedures performed under local anesthesia, or nitrous oxide (if applicable).
• Assess and document patient status throughout the procedure.
• Recognize and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition.

Post-Anesthesia Care and Recovery

• Monitor patients during the recovery phase.
• Assess vital signs, pain levels, and overall patient condition.
• Administer medications as ordered and within scope of practice.
• Provide discharge instructions and patient education.
• Ensure discharge criteria are met prior to patient release.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain compliance with regulatory, accreditation, and infection prevention standards.
• Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
• Assist with inventory management and stocking of supplies as needed.
• Participate in emergency response activities and maintain competency in emergency procedures.
• Support a positive and collaborative work environment.

Qualifications

Education

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

Licensure and Certifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Current BLS/ACLS certification required.

Experience

• Minimum one year of perioperative, operating room, procedural, PACU, critical care, or ambulatory surgery experience preferred.
• Experience in circulating and recovery nursing required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of perioperative nursing standards and practices.
• Strong assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records and clinical documentation systems.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, lift, and assist with patient movement throughout the workday.
• Ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Ability to lift and move equipment and supplies as required.

Schedule

• PRN position; hours based on procedural volume and operational needs.
• Flexibility to work preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative assignments as needed.