Registered Nurse (RN) - Charge Nurse - Pre-Op/PACU

The Pre-Op/PACU RN Charge Nurse provides clinical leadership and direct patient care within the Pre-Operative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). This role is responsible for coordinating daily department operations, ensuring safe, high-quality patient care, supporting staff, and maintaining compliance with hospital policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements. The Charge Nurse serves as a clinical resource and collaborates with surgeons, anesthesia providers, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members to promote positive patient outcomes and efficient workflow.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinates daily patient flow within the Pre-Op and PACU departments to ensure safe, efficient, and timely care.
• Provides direct nursing care to surgical patients before and after procedures according to the nursing process.
• Performs comprehensive patient assessments and develops individualized plans of care.
• Monitors patients recovering from anesthesia, recognizing and responding promptly to changes in condition.
• Administers medications, IV therapy, blood products, and treatments in accordance with physician orders and nursing standards.
• Oversees patient admissions, transfers, and discharges while ensuring accurate documentation.
• Serves as a clinical resource, mentor, and leader for nursing staff and assists with problem-solving during the shift.
• Assigns staff based on patient acuity and department needs.
• Collaborates with surgeons, anesthesia providers, operating room staff, physicians, and ancillary departments to coordinate patient care.
• Assists with emergency situations, including rapid response and code events as appropriate.
• Ensures compliance with infection prevention practices, patient safety initiatives, and regulatory standards.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives and performance improvement activities.
• Assists with orientation, training, and competency validation of new staff.
• Promotes exceptional patient and family experiences through compassionate communication and education.
• Maintains required certifications and participates in continuing education.

• Licensed and currently registered as a Professional Nurse in the state of Texas.
• Experience as a Charge Nurse or other leadership role in which supervisory competence has been demonstrated.
• The ability to express self and to communicate his/her idea clearly.
• The ability to make appropriate and effective decisions and to function under pressure.
• Professional conduct and manner befitting the position.
• Basic computer skills.