Registered Nurse (Pre/Post-op) Per Diem
Job Description
Fort Apache Surgery Center is seeking a bilingual, Spanish speaking part-time per diem RN for our outpatient facility. General Surgery, Pre/Post-op experience is preferred - Orthopedics is a PLUS.
PACU (post anesthesia care unit)/ Pre-op (pre-admission holding); Preferred two (2) year experience in IV competency and nursing in a hospital or outpatient surgery center.
The Per Diem Nurse – Surgery Center provides professional nursing care and clinical support on an as-needed basis within the ambulatory surgery center setting. This role supports safe and efficient surgical operations by assisting with pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-anesthesia care processes as assigned. The Per Diem Nurse must be highly adaptable, clinically skilled, and able to integrate quickly into a fast-paced procedural environment while maintaining exceptional patient care and safety standards.
Hours
Tuesday - Friday (Depending on Physician schedule) from 6:30 am - 3:30 pm - position would be 10 to 12 hours week
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
Prepare patients for surgical or procedural services including intake, assessments, vital signs, medication reconciliation, and chart review.
Verify patient identity, procedure details, consent forms, allergies, and readiness for surgery.
Provide pre-operative education and answer patient questions within scope.
Ensure timely patient preparation to support on-time case starts.
Assist physicians, anesthesia providers, and surgical staff during procedures as assigned and within scope of licensure.
Maintain sterile technique awareness and support infection prevention practices.
Monitor patient status and communicate changes promptly to the surgical team.
Assist with room turnover and readiness between cases.
Monitor patients during recovery, including vital signs, pain levels, airway status, and overall condition.
Administer medications and treatments as ordered.
Identify and escalate complications or abnormal findings immediately.
Provide discharge education and instructions to patients and caregivers.
Ensure patients meet discharge criteria prior to release.
Adhere to all nursing standards, infection control protocols, HIPAA requirements, OSHA guidelines, and surgery center policies.
Support medication safety, narcotic counts, documentation accuracy, and patient privacy standards.
Participate in time-outs, safety checks, and accreditation readiness practices.
Report incidents, variances, or safety concerns promptly.
Work assigned shifts based on surgical volume, staffing needs, vacations, or call-offs.
Adapt quickly to varying specialties, providers, case loads, and daily schedules.
Maintain readiness to work efficiently with limited orientation in familiar environments.
Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, scrub techs, Medical Assistants, front office staff, and leadership.
Communicate patient updates, delays, room readiness, and care concerns clearly and promptly.
Support a calm, efficient, patient-focused surgical environment
Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this role.
Other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Current and active Registered Nurse (RN) license in good standing required.
Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
Minimum 1 year of nursing experience required.
Prior ambulatory surgery center, PACU, OR, procedural, or critical care experience preferred.
Current BLS certification required.
ACLS certification preferred or required based on role assignment.
Moderate sedation recovery experience preferred if applicable.
Proficiency with EHR systems and perioperative documentation.
Strong comprehension of HIPAA.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
Proficiency in using office productivity software such as Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, etc.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities to address issues and make informed judgements.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills with internal and external partners.
Demonstrates professional leadership skills through effective communication, work habits, attitude, inter-personal skills, initiative, and follow through.
Manage projects independently or through a team.
Demonstrates ability to work effectively under pressure with multiple and changing priorities and deadlines as evidenced by use of tact, maturity, interpersonal effectiveness, good judgement, and discretion.
Internal and external customer service orientation.
Strong attention to detail.
Demonstrates organization and time management skills.
