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Registered Nurse - Perioperative

  • Pennsylvania, State College

  • 11/12/2025

  • Contract

  • Active

Job Description:

  • Job Summary
    The Perioperative Registered Nurse (RN) is responsible for providing high-quality, patient-centered care before, during, and after surgical procedures. This role involves assessing patient needs, implementing individualized care plans, and ensuring safe, efficient surgical operations in compliance with clinical standards. The RN serves as a patient advocate, collaborating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

    Key Responsibilities
    • Patient Assessment & Advocacy
    • Assess and respond to patients’ physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs through direct observation and interaction.
    • Act as a patient advocate, ensuring patient safety, comfort, and dignity throughout the perioperative process.
    • Nursing Care & Implementation
    • Utilize professional nursing judgment to implement appropriate care and interventions based on patient assessments.
    • Communicate patient status and assessment findings to physicians and team members to coordinate care effectively.
    • Clinical Skills & Documentation
    • Demonstrate proficiency in diagnostic measures such as labs, radiology, and EKG interpretation.
    • Perform IV therapy and medication administration competently.
    • Transcribe and implement physician orders accurately and efficiently during surgical admissions.
    • Document all patient care activities in the clinical record via EMR systems with accuracy and timeliness.
    • Verify completeness of patient records, ensuring site marking, consents, and anesthesiologist evaluations are complete prior to surgery.
    • Patient Education & Support
    • Provide clear and compassionate education to patients and their families regarding procedures, recovery, and discharge instructions.
    • Resource & Cost Management
    • Utilize supplies, equipment, and resources efficiently to maintain cost-effectiveness without compromising patient care.
    • Assist with general housekeeping tasks (e.g., cleaning and bed preparation) as needed to support patient flow.
    • Post-Anesthesia Care (PACU)
    • Use critical thinking to assess and provide appropriate post-anesthesia nursing care.
    • Maintain airway patency, monitor vital signs, manage pain, and consult with physicians or anesthesiologists as needed.
    • Evaluate patients using discharge criteria to determine readiness for transfer to Phase 2 recovery.
    • Cross-Functional Support
    • Participate in patient transfer processes to other medical centers as needed.
    • Function as a float nurse, maintaining communication between departments, assisting staff, and ensuring efficient workflow.
    • Work as assigned in pain management and eye laser procedure rooms, assisting with anesthesia-related procedures and nerve blocks.
    • Safety & Emergency Preparedness
    • Maintain familiarity with anesthesia supplies, crash carts, MH carts, and emergency medications.
    • Follow established safety protocols and participate in emergency response procedures when necessary.
    • Team Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
    • Participate in committee meetings, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to process improvement initiatives.
    • Seek guidance when needed and support the organization’s mission of excellence in surgical care.

    Other Duties
    • Perform additional duties as assigned to support the surgical center’s operations.

    Required Qualifications
    • Active RN license in the state of practice (in good standing).
    • Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (ADN/BSN) from an accredited institution.
    • Minimum 2–3 years of perioperative, PACU, or surgical nursing experience.
    • Strong clinical assessment, critical thinking, and communication skills.
    • Proficiency with electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
    • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced surgical environment.

    Preferred Qualifications
    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
    • Experience in ambulatory surgery centers or outpatient surgical settings.
    • Knowledge of pain management and laser eye procedures.

    Certifications
    1. Basic Life Support (BLS) – Required
    2. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) – Preferred
    3. Perioperative Nursing Certification (CNOR) – Preferred

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