Pre-Op/PACU Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse – Pre-Op/PACU (Full-Time, Fully Benefited)

Primary Location: Afton, WY | Secondary Location: Alpine, WY

Star Valley Health

Join a compassionate, high-performing surgical care team where your skills make a meaningful impact every day. Star Valley Health is deeply committed to patient-centered care, clinical excellence, and supporting our caregivers with strong teamwork, professional growth opportunities, and a positive work environment.

We are seeking a skilled Registered Nurse (RN) to support our Pre-Operative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) services. This full-time, benefitted role plays a key part in ensuring safe, smooth, and exceptional surgical experiences for our patients.

Summary

The Pre-Op/PACU RN is responsible for the delivery of high-quality patient care throughout the perioperative process—including pre-operative assessment, intra-operative support as needed, and post-operative recovery. This role collaborates closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and multidisciplinary team members to support optimal clinical outcomes and an excellent patient experience.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Operative Nursing

• Complete and document comprehensive patient assessments prior to surgery.
• Verify patient identity, surgical procedure, and informed consents.
• Initiate IV access and prepare patients for anesthesia and operative care.
• Monitor and record vital signs, allergies, medical history, and readiness for surgery.
• Provide clear patient education regarding the procedure, expectations, and care team.

Post-Operative Nursing (PACU)

• Receive and assess patients following surgery and anesthesia.
• Monitor vital signs, airway, sedation levels, pain, and wound sites.
• Document assessments and communicate condition changes to providers.
• Manage IVs, fluids, transfusions, and specimen collection as needed.
• Provide patient and family education regarding medications, discharge instructions, and recovery expectations.
• Determine patient readiness for transfer or discharge based on established criteria.
• Respond effectively to post-operative emergencies.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized PACU environment.

Requirements

Abilities & Skills:

• Strong clinical assessment and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and responsive in fast-paced or emergent situations.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesia, leadership, and peers.
• Proficient with modern clinical equipment and EMR systems.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the role, including lifting up to 50 lbs, frequent standing, walking, bending, pushing, and pulling.
• Adequate visual, auditory, and manual dexterity required to perform essential nursing functions.

Experience & Education:

• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing (required).
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Wyoming (required).
• Current CPR/BLS for Healthcare Providers (required).
• ACLS and PALS certifications (preferred; required within a defined timeframe after hire).
• Two years of acute care or perioperative nursing experience (preferred).
• EMR proficiency (required) EPIC preferred.

Note: Position descriptions are intended to serve as a guideline for typical duties and requirements of a position, but are not inclusive. Additional or different responsibilities within a reasonable scope of the position description may be added or deleted any anytime at the discretion of the Board.