Registered Nurse - Pre-Op/PACU

Join a dedicated surgical team as a Pre-operative and PACU RN, delivering expert, compassionate care from patient preparation through recovery. Manage the full perioperative patient experience—performing assessments, assisting with anesthesia recovery, coordinating care, and educating patients and families—while ensuring safety and comfort in a fast-paced surgical environment.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Community-Centric: Pairing small town values with industry-leading standards, South Peninsula Hospital values and invests in our staff and deeply cares about our patients.
• Benefits: South Peninsula Hospital provides a competitive salary and industry-leading benefits, including Health/Dental/Vision Insurance with up to a $2000 HRA and generous PTO. Loan forgiveness and tuition reimbursement programs are available.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conduct pre-operative assessments, review patient history and physicals, and prepare patients and families for surgery.
• Administer and titrate anesthesia-related and pain control medications safely and effectively.
• Assist with patient admission and discharge in the perioperative setting.
• Provide postoperative care including assessments with anesthesia providers and support in the recovery area.
• Communicate patient status clearly and completely to other caregivers to promote continuity of care.
• Manage emergent situations calmly, responding promptly and appropriately.
• Participate in scheduling surgeries and enter orders, review diagnostics, and maintain accurate charting.
• Assist with day-to-day department coverage as needed.
• Take on-call duties as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

• Active Alaska Registered Nurse license required.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certifications.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Prior experience in ICU, PACU, or Emergency Room preferred.
• At least two years of acute care nursing experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of anesthesia medications and antagonists, with ability to administer and titrate doses.
• Ability to work effectively in emergent, high-pressure situations while maintaining composure.
• Excellent observation, assessment, and documentation skills.
• Commitment to patient safety and privacy.
• Flexibility to work varied hours and take on-call shifts.
• Willingness to cross-train and assist in special projects.
• Demonstrates teamwork and collaboration.

ENVIRONMENT:

The South Peninsula Hospital is a combined 22-bed Acute Care Critical Access Hospital and 28-bed Long Term Care facility located at the southern end of the Kenai Peninsula in South-Central Alaska. The Surgery department is located on the second floor and provides care to patients across a range of ages, from pediatric to geriatric populations. The role involves managing complex patient and family needs alongside physician and anesthesia demands, often under emergency conditions. The position requires physical stamina for prolonged standing, walking, and repetitive hand motions, as well as safely lifting or exerting force when necessary. The RN maintains a professional, calm demeanor to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all surgical patients.