Perioperative Nurse - Ambulatory Surgery Center

Job Overview:

The Muhlenberg ASC is seeking an experienced Perioperative nurse with solid knowledge of both circulating and scrubbing procedures. This is a fast paced environment that is driven to reach the highest quality and commitment to patient care. Previous Circulating experience is a plus.

Key Responsibilities:

Preoperative Duties:

Ensure completion of preoperative checklists and readiness for surgery. Conduct preoperative phone calls to patients Reviewing medical history, medications, NPO status, and prior anesthesia history. Identifying potential anesthesia risks and escalating concerns to anesthesia providers Coordinating with patients, surgeons, and anesthesia team to obtain necessary medical clearances, labs, and documentation Perform comprehensive patient assessments, including medical history, medications, allergies, and baseline status upon adminssion. Verify patient identity, surgical procedure, site, and informed consent Initiate IV access and administer ordered medications Providing preoperative instructions and confirming patient understanding Provide patient and caregiver education regarding procedures and postoperative expectations Intraoperative Nurse Dutie s: Serve as the circulating nurse during surgical procedures, acting as the patient advocate in the operating room Coordinate and manage overall nursing care in the OR environment Perform surgical safety checks, including time-out procedures and verification of correct patient, procedure, and site Maintain a safe, sterile environment and ensure adherence to aseptic technique Assist with patient positioning, padding, and safety measures to prevent injury Prepare and manage surgical supplies, instruments, and equipment; anticipate team needs Document intraoperative care, including implants, specimens, counts, and events Perform and verify sponge, needle, and instrument counts with the scrub tech Communicate effectively with the surgical team, anesthesia providers, and PACU staff Handle specimens according to protocol and ensure proper labeling and documentation Respond promptly to intraoperative emergencies Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Duties:

Receive and assess patients post-procedure, ensuring airway stability and hemodynamic monitoring Continuously monitor vital signs, pain levels, and level of consciousness Administer medications as ordered, including pain management and antiemetics Identify and respond to complications or changes in patient condition Accurately document patient care and recovery progress

Discharge & Follow-Up :

Provide clear discharge instructions and confirm patient/caregiver understanding Ensure patients meet discharge criteria prior to release Perform post-operative follow-up calls

General Perioperative Responsibilities:

Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to ensure continuity of care Maintain accurate documentation and charge capture Ensure compliance with infection control standards and Universal Precautions Perform narcotic counts per policy Maintain readiness for emergency situations and locate emergency equipment Identify and mitigate patient safety risks

Qualifications:

Graduate of an accredited school of nursing 2-3 years of acute care or perioperative (Pre-Op/PACU/OR Circulating) experience in a surgery center is preferred Active New Jersey Registered Nurse license Current BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking skills Excellent communication and teamwork abilities Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced surgical environment

Additional Expectations:

Participate in continuing education to stay current with ASC and perioperative standards Contribute to committees and quality improvement initiatives Ensure proper availability and functioning of perioperative equipment and supplies Deliver patient-centered care throughout all phases of the surgical experience

Job Type:

Full-time, Per-diem Work Location:

In person (Plainfield, NJ)

Pay:

$50.00 - $55.00 per hour

License/Certification:

New Jersey Registered Nursing License (Required)

Work Location:

In person