First Connect Health is seeking a travel nurse RN PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Ithaca, New York.
Job Description & Requirements
- Specialty: PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
- Discipline: RN
- Start Date: 07/12/2026
- Duration: 13 weeks
- 36 hours per week
- Shift: 12 hours, days
- Employment Type: Travel
PACU / Pre-Op RN (Dual-Trained Perianesthesia)
Location: Ithaca, NY
Contract Duration: 13 Weeks (07/12/2026 – 10/11/2026)
Shift Matrix: Dynamic 12-Hour Day/Evening Shifts * Staggered Shift Ranges: 06:00–18:00 | 07:00–19:00 | 08:00–20:00 | 09:00–21:00
Guaranteed Hours: 36 Hours Per Week
Critical On-Call Guardrails
🚨 Mandatory Call Requirement: Despite the database field indicating "Oncall: No," the explicit job details mandate a firm on-call commitment.
- Frequency: Roughly 3–4 weeknight calls and one 24-hour weekend call in an 8-week block (subject to minor adjustments based on unit staffing).
- Weeknight Call Windows: 21:00 – 07:00
- Weekend Call Windows: 07:00 – 07:00 (24-Hour Block)
Job Summary
An acute care medical center in the Finger Lakes region is seeking a dual-trained Pre-Op / PACU RN to replace an outgoing traveler. This position requires an adaptable perianesthesia specialist capable of seamlessly pivoting between preoperative optimization and Phase I/II post-anesthesia recovery. You will manage patient populations spanning outpatients, day surgeries, and complex inpatient procedures, requiring high autonomy over airway management, hemodynamic stability, and rapid pre-surgical screening workflows.
Key Responsibilities
- Preoperative Optimization: Conduct comprehensive pre-surgical baseline assessments, review lab panels, perform point-of-care testing, verify informed consents, and initiate intravenous lines. Safely administer pre-operative blocks, sedatives, and prophylactic antibiotics.
- Phase I Post-Anesthesia Recovery: Manage high-acuity emergence from general, regional, and MAC anesthesia. Closely monitor airway patency, mechanical ventilation, and hemodynamic metrics.
- Invasive Line Handling: Safely interpret and manage arterial lines, central venous access devices, and continuous peripheral nerve blocks (nerve catheters).
- Vasoactive & Narcotic Titration: Administer and titrate fast-acting intravenous analgesics, antiemetics, and emergency vasoactive infusions to maintain homeostatic stability.
- Discharge Scoring Frameworks: Utilize standard scoring systems (e.g., Aldrete or PADSS) to determine patient readiness for safe transfer to general medical floors or discharge to home care.
Requirements & Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum 2 years of recent hospital-based PACU and Pre-Op experience. Dual competency is required.
- Licensure: Active New York (NY) State RN License must be held at the time of submission.
- Certifications (Must be active at submission):
- AHA ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
- AHA PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) – Highly preferred for multi-age day surgery pipelines.
- AHA BLS (Basic Life Support)
Job ID: CCA-38157
About First Connect Health
At First Connect Health, we take pride in being a Joint Commission–certified healthcare staffing agency, headquartered in Newark, New Jersey. This prestigious certification is more than just a seal — it's a reflection of our commitment to excellence, safety, and quality in everything we do.
By meeting the rigorous standards set by The Joint Commission, one of the most respected accrediting bodies in healthcare, we've demonstrated that our processes, compliance, and patient care standards are aligned with the highest levels of quality in the industry.
But our dedication goes beyond certifications. Nurses choose First Connect Health because:
- ✅ Trust and Transparency: We foster honest communication, timely updates, and full transparency throughout your placement journey.
- ✅ Best Pay & Benefits: We offer industry-leading compensation packages, along with benefits that support your career goals.
- ✅ Flexibility & Choice: Whether you're seeking short-term assignments, long-term contracts, or local opportunities, we provide the flexibility to suit your preferences.
- ✅ Personalized Support: Our recruiters take the time to understand your needs, guiding you with care, respect, and responsiveness at every step.
When you work with First Connect Health, you're not just another number — you're a valued professional. Join a team that’s focused on your success, your well-being, and your future in healthcare.
Benefits
- Sick pay
- 401k retirement plan
- Weekly pay
- Referral bonus
