Summary

The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at The George Washington University Hospital provides high-quality, compassionate care for patients immediately following surgical or procedural interventions. Our PACU team specializes in monitoring post-anesthesia recovery, managing pain, and stabilizing patients to ensure a safe transition to inpatient units or discharge. Nurses also play a key role in Pre-Op, preparing patients for surgery with thorough assessments, education, and individualized care planning.

Job description

Unit Overview

The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at The George Washington University Hospital provides high-quality, compassionate care for patients immediately following surgical or procedural interventions. Our PACU team specializes in monitoring post-anesthesia recovery, managing pain, and stabilizing patients to ensure a safe transition to inpatient units or discharge. Nurses also play a key role in Pre-Op, preparing patients for surgery with thorough assessments, education, and individualized care planning.

Position Summary

The PACU/Pre-Op Registered Nurse (RN) delivers safe, evidence-based care for patients undergoing surgical procedures. Responsibilities include patient assessment, monitoring hemodynamic stability, airway management, pain control, patient/family education, and coordination with the surgical, anesthesia, and recovery teams. This role requires critical thinking, rapid response skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-centered environment.

Main Tasks

Provide nursing care to patients in both the PACU and Pre-Op areas.
Monitor vital signs, pain levels, and recovery status following anesthesia.
Prepare patients for surgical procedures, including assessment, IV initiation, and education.
Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other care providers.
Recognize and respond quickly to changes in patient condition.
Document all aspects of patient care accurately in the EMR.
Support patients and families with education and reassurance throughout the surgical journey.

Requirements

Current RN license in the District of Columbia (or eligible)
BLS and ACLS certification (AHA)
Minimum of 1 year of experience in PACU, ICU, or Emergency Department
CPAN or CAPA certification (preferred)
BSN from an accredited program (preferred)
Experience with high-acuity post-operative patients (preferred)

Benefits

Medical Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Prescription Drug Plans
401(k) with company match
Discounted stock plan
SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
Tuition savings
Paid Time Off

Company overview

Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) is one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, operating as a Fortune 300 corporation headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1979, UHS has grown into a major healthcare enterprise with approximately 99,000 employees and annual revenues exceeding $14 billion. The company operates through its subsidiaries, managing 29 acute care hospitals, 331 behavioral health facilities, and 60 outpatient and other facilities across 39 U.S. states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom. UHS provides comprehensive healthcare services including acute care, behavioral health treatment, cancer centers, and ambulatory surgical centers. The company's strategy focuses on building or acquiring high-quality hospitals in rapidly growing markets and investing in advanced medical equipment and skilled personnel to become the leading healthcare provider in each community it serves. UHS is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: UHS) and has established a strong reputation for delivering compassionate, high-quality care while maintaining financial stability and operational excellence.