Pre Op/PACU Charge Nurse

Job Description

The Pre-Op / PACU Charge Nurse is responsible for overseeing daily clinical operations within the Preoperative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at District Surgery Center. This role provides direct patient care while serving as the clinical leader for Preop/PACU nursing staff, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality perioperative services in accordance with regulatory standards and organizational policies.

The Charge Nurse collaborates with Nurse Manager, OR manager, SPD and Materials Managers, anesthesia providers, surgeons, and administrative leadership to coordinate patient flow, staffing, and patient safety initiatives throughout the surgical continuum of care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership

• Serve as the clinical resource and leader for Pre-Op and PACU nursing staff
• Assign staff and manage daily workflow to ensure safe patient care and efficient throughput
• Provide guidance in clinical decision-making and escalation of care when needed
• Oversee handoffs between Pre-Op, OR, and PACU teams
• Monitor patient acuity and adjust assignments accordingly
• Communicate effectively with the department leaders

Patient Care

• Perform comprehensive preoperative and postoperative assessments
• Monitor patients recovering from anesthesia, ensuring airway management, hemodynamic stability, and pain control
• Administer medications and completing orders per surgeons and anesthesia providers
• Provide patient education based on standards of care and surgical discharge instructions specific to the type of surgery and the provider
• Identify and respond appropriately to emergencies or complications
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record

Operational Oversight

• Coordinate daily surgical schedule with OR staff and anesthesia providers
• Anticipate staffing needs and assist with coverage planning
• Ensure adherence to infection control, safety, and regulatory standards (CMS, AAAHC)
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and chart audits

Compliance & Professional Standards

• Maintain current knowledge of perioperative and PACU nursing standards
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA, OSHA, and facility policies
• Participate in staff education, onboarding, and competency validation
• Support performance evaluations and coaching as delegated by the Nurse Manager or Director of Nursing

Qualification required

Education & Licensure

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing (BSN)
• Current RN license in good standing
• BLS and ACLS certification required

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of Preop/PACU nursing experience in an ambulatory setting
• Previous leadership or charge nurse experience preferred

Skills & Competencies

• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills
• Excellent leadership and team coordination abilities
• Effective communication and conflict resolution skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with electronic health records

Work Environment

• Fast-paced ambulatory surgery setting
• Requires prolonged standing, walking, and occasional lifting of patients/equipment
• On-call or flexible scheduling may be required depending on surgical volume

Reporting Structure

Reports to: Clinical Administrator
Supervises: Pre-Op and PACU nursing staff (as assigned per shift)

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• leadership/management: 1 year (Preferred)
• Pre Op/PACU RN: 3 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person