Pre-Op/PACU Registered Nurse
Star Valley Health·Afton, Wyoming
Star Valley Health·Afton, Wyoming
The RN provides high-quality patient care throughout the perioperative process, including pre-operative assessments and post-operative recovery. They collaborate with surgeons and anesthesia providers to ensure safe surgical experiences and optimal clinical outcomes.
Description 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.
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.
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.
Market context
Wyoming nursing support roles often draw steady demand in hospitals, long-term care, and other patient-care settings, especially for CNAs who can start quickly and work in acute care environments. These positions are competitive because employers commonly want an active Wyoming CNA license, AHA RQI certification soon after hire, and prior CNA or acute care experience. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your license status and certification timeline before applying.
