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RN, Registered Nurse - PACU / Preop (full time/day)

The George Washington University Hospital

Washington, DC

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RN

Posted Aug 2, 2026 · Last seen active Aug 5, 2026

About this role

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Responsibilities Unit Overview The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at The George Washington University Hospital provides high-quality, compassionate care for patients immediately following surgical or procedural interventions. Our PACU team specializes in monitoring post-anesthesia recovery, managing pain, and stabilizing patients to ensure a safe transition to inpatient units or discharge. Nurses also play a key role in Pre-Op, preparing patients for surgery with thorough assessments, education, and individualized care planning. Position Summary The PACU/Pre-Op Registered Nurse (RN) delivers safe, evidence-based care for patients undergoing surgical procedures. Responsibilities include patient assessment, monitoring hemodynamic stability, airway management, pain control, patient/family education, and coordination with the surgical, anesthesia, and recovery teams. This role requires critical thinking, rapid response skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced, team-centered environment. Main Tasks Provide nursing care to patients in both the PACU and Pre-Op areas. Monitor vital signs, pain levels, and recovery status following anesthesia. Prepare patients for surgical procedures, including assessment, IV initiation, and education. Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other care providers. Recognize and respond quickly to changes in patient condition. Document all aspects of patient care accurately in the EMR. Support patients and families with education and reassurance throughout the surgical journey. Required Qualifications Current RN license in the District of Columbia (or eligible) BLS and ACLS certification (AHA) Minimum of 1 year of experience in PACU, ICU, or Emergency Department Preferred CPAN or CAPA certification BSN from an accredited program Experience with high-acuity post-operative patients Benefit & Rewards Highlights Challenging and rewarding work environment Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Plans 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program Tuition savings to continue your nursing education with Chamberlain University Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries! More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website: benefits.uhsguest.com About GW Hospital The George Washington University Hospital is a 395-bed academic medical center located in the heart of Washington, D. C., in partnership with the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. As a nationally recognized center of clinical excellence and innovation, we provide world-class care across many specialties. Our nurses play a crucial role in shaping the patient experience, contributing to research, and advancing improvements in care outcomes. About Universal Health Services One of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS), has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since its inception as an esteemed Fortune 500® corporation, the company reported annual revenues of $17.4 billion in 2025. In 2026, UHS was again recognized as one of Fortune's World's Most Admired Companies™, and in 2025, was listed in Forbes ' ranking of America's largest public companies. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has approximately 101,500 employees and continues to grow through its subsidiaries. Operating acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, outpatient facilities, and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network, and various related services located in 40 U. S. states, Washington, D. C., Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom. For additional information, visit www.uhs.com. From Fortune, ©2025, 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license. EEO Statement: All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates are critical to our success. Avoid and Report Recruitment Scams: At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates by matching skill set and experience with the best possible career path at UHS and our subsidiaries. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (e.g., Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. Our recruiters will not email you from a public webmail service such as Hotmail, Gmail, or Yahoo Mail. If you suspect a fraudulent job posting or job-related email that mentions UHS or its subsidiaries, we encourage you to report such concerns to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. We encourage you to refer to legitimate UHS and UHS subsidiary career websites to verify job opportunities and not rely on unsolicited calls from recruiters.

Requirements

  • in PACU, ICU, or Emergency Department

Benefits

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Generous Paid Time Off
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Plans
  • 401(K) with company match
  • Discounted stock plan
  • SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program
  • Tuition savings for nursing education with Chamberlain University
  • Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries

About the employer

The George Washington University Hospital logo
The George Washington University Hospital
Academic Medical Center

The George Washington University Hospital (GW Hospital) is a 395-bed academic medical center located in downtown Washington, DC, operated by Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) in partnership with the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. Since opening…

395 beds
4.1 Google rating

What reviewers appreciate

  • No mandatory overtime; nurses can schedule their own shifts
  • L.E.A.R.N. Clinical Nurse Advancement Program with monetary rewards
  • Professional development allowance and annual education allowance

What reviewers flag

  • Work environment described as 'challenging,' which may indicate high-acuity or high-pressure conditions typical of a Level I Trauma Center in an urban academic medical center
  • Limited specific negative feedback available from provided sources to fully assess workplace challenges
teamworkservice excellenceinnovationshared governanceprofessional developmentdiversity and inclusion

Living in Washington, DC

Washington, DC blends monumental grandeur with livable neighborhood charm. From the historic rowhouses of Capitol Hill to the wooded trails of Rock Creek Park, the nation's capital offers renowned hospital systems, free Smithsonian museums, and Metro access that connects the city to surrounding suburbs.

Map showing the location of Washington, DC
Washington, DC on the map · © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap· Open the live map
Metro price level · Washington area
108.9
9% above the national average
Median gross rent
$1,954/mo
rent and tenant-paid utilities

U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024 metro Regional Price Parities · Census ACS 2024

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