Professional Staff Nurse, (Part-time), UPMC West Shore Surgery Ctr

Job Summary – Pre‑Op / PACU Nurse

The Pre‑Operative and Post‑Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse is responsible for providing comprehensive nursing care to patients across the adult and pediatric populations throughout the pre‑surgical and post‑surgical continuum.

In the pre‑operative phase, the nurse gathers and verifies clinical information, completes patient admission assessments, and reviews all pre‑surgical documentation for accuracy and readiness. Responsibilities include initiating IV therapy, ensuring patient safety, and preparing patients physically and emotionally for their surgical procedure.

In the post‑operative phase, the nurse provides recovery care for patients who have undergone procedures with various anesthesia types—including general anesthesia, IV general, MAC, and local anesthesia. The nurse monitors hemodynamic stability, manages airway and pain needs, administers medications as indicated, and guides patients through safe progression from Phase I to Phase II recovery.

Additional responsibilities include patient and family education, discharge planning, delivery of clear post‑operative instructions, and coordination of safe transitions of care. The role requires strong clinical assessment skills, critical thinking, and the ability to respond quickly to changing patient conditions in a fast‑paced environment.