Pre-Op/PACU Nurse - Ambulatory Surgery Center

About the role

If you're looking to be on a team that delivers high-quality patient care in a compassionate, collaborative and dynamic practice, keep reading further to learn more about this exciting opportunity in our brand-new Ambulatory Surgery Center. The Pre-Op/PACU Nurse is responsible and accountable for the delivery and documentation of patient care while partnering with surgeons, anesthesia, and clinical staff to ensure safe, high-quality orthopaedic surgical outcomes.

Princeton Orthopaedic Associates (POA), a division of OrthoNJ, is a Community of Extraordinary Care professionals serving Central New Jersey since 1974. With 30 physicians, including 20 Orthopaedic surgeons, across 7 office locations, POA operates as an outcome-focused orthopaedic practice that combines extraordinary talent, advanced techniques, and cutting-edge tools with compassionate service. As part of New Jersey's largest independent orthopaedic group practice, POA physicians work collaboratively to provide personalized, patient-centered care while maintaining the values and autonomy of the private practice model. Princeton Orthopaedic Associates is built on a foundation of compassion, patient focus, quality, collaboration, honesty, and excellence. We are a community where every team member is expected to embody these values in their daily work by holding themselves and colleagues accountable to high standards. We foster a culture of continuous improvement where feedback is welcomed, mistakes become learning opportunities, and successes are celebrated together. As a member of our team, you'll be expected to contribute ideas, mentor new colleagues, and actively participate in creating an environment where both patients and staff thrive.

Responsibilities

• Admit and prepare patients for surgery; verify charts, pre-op workload, and physician orders are complete prior to each case.
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate intra-operative patient care.
• Administer medications and IV solutions safely; initiate or assist with emergency measures for cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, or shock.
• Maintain accurate, concise, and timely documentation in the medical record and patient care plan throughout the surgical episode.
• Coordinate patient discharge; communicate pertinent observations to physicians, charge nurse, or director as appropriate.
• Support orientation of new staff, attend departmental meetings and in-services, and maintain credentials through continuing education.
• Uphold a safe, respectful environment for patients, families, and co-workers; maintain effective rapport with all care team members.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing; current Registered Nurse license for the State of New Jersey required.
• Current ACLS/BCLS certification required (may be obtained within 6 months of hire).
• Peri-operative or surgical suite nursing experience; orthopaedic or ambulatory surgery center experience a plus.
• Working knowledge of peri-operative standards of practice, infection control, universal precautions, and surgical suite safety principles.
• Strong clinical judgment, documentation accuracy, and ability to respond decisively in a fast-paced surgical environment.
• Ability to regularly lift up to 20 lbs and frequently lift up to 50 lbs; ability to stand and work for extended periods.

Benefits

The hiring range for this role is $45/hr‑53/hr. Eligible full-time employees are offered a comprehensive benefits package, which includes paid time off along with the option to participate in medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans.