The PreOp RN IV is an expert-level practitioner who provides advanced clinical leadership and support within the PreOperative setting. This nurse serves as a unit resource and consults across departments to enhance patient readiness and safety. The RN IV leads in process improvement, staff education, and evidence-based practice to elevate nursing care and optimize patient outcomes in surgical preparation. This role functions as a clinical leader at UT Health San Antonio Multispecialty & Research Hospital.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's of Science in Nursing required

CERTIFICATION/ LICENSURE:

• Current Texas Board of Nursing (or Compact State) RN license; Or a Temporary Texas RN License (Permanent TX license within 90 days upon hire).
• American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, within 7 days of hire.

• Monitors patients during anesthesia recovery, assessing vitals, pain, and consciousness level.
• Administers medications for pain, nausea, or sedation as ordered; monitors effects.
• Provides airway management, suctioning, and oxygen support per patient condition.
• Recognizes and responds to anesthesia-related complications or emergent events.
• Documents recovery scores, assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately in the EMR.
• Collaborates with anesthesia and surgical providers to coordinate patient handoffs.
• Provides post-operative education to patients and families during discharge or transfer.
• Participates in shift briefings and huddles to support shared goals and communication.
• Uses therapeutic communication to reduce patient anxiety and improve comfort.
• Functions independently to prioritize patient care during periods of high acuity.
• Acts as a preceptor for new PACU nurses or nursing students as needed.
• Assists in readiness and stocking of the PACU environment and specialized equipment.
• Participates in near-miss reporting and supports efforts to improve patient safety.
• Escalates concerns related to pain control, hemodynamic instability, or delayed recovery.
• Engages in evidence-based discussions or improvement initiatives related to PACU flow.
• Promotes team collaboration and a positive work environment.
• Helps track and meet department goals related to length of stay, safety, and patient satisfaction.
• Utilizes clinical judgment, using an evidence-based analytical approach.
• Improves quality and safety scores on the unit-based scorecard through peer-to-peer accountability, reporting near misses, and collaborating with the interprofessional healthcare team.
• Displays self-motivation to independently manage time effectively, timely document care, minimize incidental overtime, and prioritize daily tasks.
• Contributes towards meeting department financial targets through decreasing length of stay, optimizing efficiency, and other areas according to department specifications.
• Identifies and presents areas for innovation, efficiency and improvement in patient care or unit operations using evidence-based practice literature.
• Offers innovative solutions through evidence-based practice/performance improvement projects and shared governance activities.
• Champions new care pathways or service line implementation to improve service to the community.
• Identifies trends for improvement opportunities or practice changes and supports initiatives.
• Researches the change and presents options to shared governance and leadership.
• Performs other job-related duties to support high-quality, safe post-anesthesia recovery.