Pre-Op/Pacu Nurse

Valleygate of South Charlotte is looking to hire registered nurses for our new dental only surgery center! We have full-time and PRN opportunities available! This is a new center opening January 2026.

Address: 13515 Steele Creek Rd Charlotte, NC

The Staff Nurse is accountable and responsible for the services provided in the pre-operative and recovery areas. The Staff Nurse reports to the OR Charge Nurse and may act as the OR Charge Nurse in his/her absence.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
1. Maintains quality patient care and patient education, in accordance with written policies and standards of care.
2. Supervises the pre-operative and recovery staff and spearheads the daily staffing.
3. Ensures adherence to Surgery Center policies, procedures, and safety programs.
4. Maintains clinical skills and knowledge.
5. Performs the orientation of new employees in the pre-operative and recovery areas.
6. Assesses the staff's educational needs and implements a plan to meet these needs.
7. Maintains an adequate inventory of drugs and medical supplies in the pre-operative and recovery areas.
8. Maintains a collegial relationship with providers to ensure quality patient care.
9. Develops and monitors standards of care.
10. Participates in and monitors quality improvement programs.
11. Fosters a positive environment which promotes staff development and loyalty to the organization.
12. Receives report from the anesthesiologist and circulating nurse and identifies patient.
13. Takes vital signs consisting of blood pressure, pulse, and respirations when the patient arrives in recovery and every 15 minutes thereafter unless otherwise ordered.
14. Charts patient's color, level of consciousness, condition of dressings and character of respirations on arrival and every 30 minutes while patient is in recovery.
15. Verifies doctor's orders, administers medications, and performs procedures as ordered.
16. Secures the proper patient belongings when appropriate.
17. Gives all prescriptions to the appropriate person (i.e. patient, visitor).
18. When patient meets discharge criteria, the Recovery Room Nurse:

• a. Notifies anesthesiologist or surgeon to check patient

• b. Discontinue use of IV if applicable

• c. Reviews, educates and provides a copy of the written discharge instructions to the patient

• d. Discharges the patient either per wheelchair, assisting with ambulation, or other appropriate method based on patient condition.

• e. Discharges patients through appropriate exit only

19. At the end of the day:

• a. Returns appropriate items to reception area

• b. Assists with preparations of recovery and preoperative areas for the next day

• c. Closes facility according to protocol

20. Reports malfunctioning equipment to Charge Nurse.
21. Assists with receiving and storing supplies, as needed.
22. Disposes of contaminated needle containers in appropriate receptacle.
23. Assists with post-op phone calls, as needed.
24. May be required to provide assistance with the operative log.
25. Performs other duties as assigned.