Outpatient Surgery PACU/Preop Registered Nurse
Ithaca, New York
Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca

Job Opportunity: PACU/Preop RN (Outpatient Surgery/Day Surgery)

Location: Ithaca, New York
Employment Type: Travel
Contract Length: 9 weeks

Job Description

• Role involves working as a Preoperative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse.
• Call requirement: approximately 3-4 weeknight calls and one 24-hour weekend call within an 8-week period.

  • Weeknight call hours: 9 PM – 7 AM
  • Weekend call hours: 7 AM – 7 AM
• Shift times vary and may include:

  • 6 AM – 6 PM
  • 7 AM – 7 PM
  • 8 AM – 8 PM
  • 9 AM – 9 PM
• Call frequency may increase or decrease depending on staffing needs.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in New York.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in PreOp / PACU - Post Anesthesia Care, including experience within the last year.
• Experience in both Pre-Op and PACU - Post Anesthesia Care settings.
• Current BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Current ACLS certification.
• Current PALS certification.
• Successful completion of Rhythm Interpretation Exam.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

Health and Safety Requirements

• COVID-19 vaccine proof or agency declination (optional).
• MMR: Positive IgG titer or two vaccine series required; if negative/equivocal, vaccination documentation required.
• Varicella: Positive IgG titer or two vaccine series required; vaccination documentation required if titer negative/equivocal.
• Hepatitis B: Positive antibody titer, 3 vaccine series, or specific declination form required.
• Tdap: Preferred within last 10 years; if no record, specific declination form required.
• TB Testing: One of the following required annually:

  • Two skin PPDs (one within 12 months, one within 3 months)
  • One Quantiferon/Spot test within 12 months
  • For past positives, chest x-ray within 12 months may be required.
• Fit Test: Must be completed prior to start and annually thereafter; specific mask types listed for fit testing.
• Physical/Health Statement: Must be completed within last 12 months, including vitals, height, weight, Snellen eye chart, and statement of no restrictions.
• Drug Screen: 9+ panel excluding marijuana (not permitted to be tested in New York).
• Background Check: Comprehensive agency background check including county and national criminal searches, alias checks, SSN address trace, and FACIS 3 check.
• Color photo headshot required (professional style, no filters or sunglasses).

Documentation and Verification

• Resume detailing all employment and gaps for last 7 years, education history with degree titles and graduation dates.
• Two professional references:

  • One supervisor reference from employment within last 12 months.
  • One supervisor or peer reference from employment within last 3 years.
• Employment verification of most recent employer (agency verifications count as one employer).
• Education verification of initial nursing degree (ASN or BSN).
• Signed and dated job description.
• Completion of agency-specific forms including personal information, code of conduct, confirmation of assignment, self-study packet and quiz, sexual harassment acknowledgement, and parking registration form.
• 7 Instant Background Checks (manual upload required): NYOMIG, OFAC, OIG, PA Registry, NSO, SAM, NY Registry.
• TB Questionnaire Form and Epic Questionnaire (agency-specific forms).
• Drug and tobacco acknowledgement form.

Shift Details

• Rotating shifts with variable start and end times as noted above.
• On-call responsibilities as described.

Additional Notes

• Must have a valid, unexpired U.S. driver’s license or state ID.
• Canadian license holders must provide proof of valid TN visa status or eligibility documentation.
• Prior travel experience is not explicitly required.

This position is ideal for experienced RNs comfortable with outpatient surgery and PACU settings, able to manage rotating shifts and on-call duties, and compliant with comprehensive health, safety, and credentialing requirements.