Registered Nurse, Pre-Op (PRN)

Townsen Memorial Hospital · Houston, TX Prn
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Job Description

Registered Nurse, Pre-Op (PRN) SUMMARY: The Registered Nurse, Pre-Op is responsible for admitting the patient to the clinical area and providing nursing care to the pre-operative and post-operative patient, as well as, developing a nursing care plan specifically designed for the individual patient. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: • Ensures the pre-operative, post-operative, observation/inpatient area has a clean and therapeutic environment for all patients at all times. Give instructions to patients as instructed by physician or physician assistant • Ensures supplies and equipment needed are available and in good working order • Admits the patient to the unit and prepares him/her for the scheduled procedure • Makes initial assessment and determines the nursing needs of the patient, communicates additional discharge needs when applicable (transportation, durable medical equipment) • Explains nursing procedures and actions taken to help reduce anxiety • Identifies patient's physical and mental status • Monitors the patient's medical condition and reports any significant changes to the admitting physician or anesthesiologist • Assures surgical consent, pre-operative test results and History and Physical are in the medical record prior to proposed procedure • Pre-op and post-op calls to patients • Reports any important health history facts to the operating room nurse/medical director • Gives patients and family members emotional support as necessary • Documents patient care delivered, accurately in the medical record • Implements doctor's orders in a timely and accurate manner • Educates patients and family • Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with patients, families, visitors, and other Center employees • Documents concisely, precisely, and accurately on all records or documents as indicated by policy • Understands and maintains clinical competencies (general, age specific and drug administration) • Demonstrates clinical problem solving and critical thinking • Makes decisions using evidence based analytical approach • Plans for routine events and anticipates/prevents and manages/evaluates emergent situations • Completes patient care responsibilities in a timely manner with accurate documentation • Uses downtime efficiently, aware of team members workload and constantly helps and responds positively to requests for assistance from other team members • Adapts to unexpected changes • Effectively acclimate to various work schedules to achieve high quality of care • Protects patient and family privacy rights and maintains confidentiality of patient records in accordance with policy and procedure and HIPAA requirements • Follows all safety rules on the job. Reports all accidents promptly and corrects minor safety hazards. Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace • Maintains established Center/Departmental policies and procedures • Adheres to the company standards of business conduct • Performs other related duties as assigned to support the hospital KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: • Strong computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office,

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What Most Job Listings Don’t Tell You

General overview for this role type — specific duties and requirements vary by employer.

Nursing roles in senior living are fundamentally different from hospital nursing. Most positions involve building long-term relationships with the same residents over months or years rather than cycling through new patients every shift. Facilities in the Houston area typically require an active Texas RN or LVN license, current CPR/BLS certification, and many prefer at least one year of geriatric or long-term care experience.

Shift patterns vary widely — some facilities run traditional 8-hour shifts (day, evening, night), while others use 12-hour rotations. Weekend and holiday coverage is almost always part of the schedule. The nurse-to-resident ratio in assisted living is generally more favorable than in hospitals, but you will likely be the highest-level clinical staff on the floor during your shift, which means more autonomy and more responsibility for clinical judgment calls.

What to Expect in This Role Day-to-Day

Based on typical senior living facilities in the Houston area.

A typical shift starts with medication pass and resident assessments. You will review overnight notes from the previous shift, check vitals for residents on your watch list, and coordinate with CNAs on any changes in condition. Mid-shift usually involves documentation, family communication, and working with physicians on care plan updates — often by phone or telehealth rather than in-person rounds.

Depending on the facility, you may also handle admissions paperwork, manage wound care, supervise medication techs, and respond to emergencies. The documentation load in senior living is significant — state surveys and compliance requirements mean thorough charting is non-negotiable. Many nurses in this setting say the most rewarding part is knowing their residents personally and being able to notice subtle changes that a rotating hospital nurse might miss.

Houston Area Salary Data

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Registered Nurse positions in the Houston metro area earn a median wage of $47.02/hr ($97,802/yr). The typical range is $38.29 – $50.95/hr (25th–75th percentile).

Entry Level (10th) $69,368/yr
Houston Median $97,802/yr
Experienced (90th) $125,320/yr
vs. National Median +4.5%

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX Metro Area). Salary data provided by Houston Senior Living Guide.

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