Clinical Nurse – Per Diem (PACU) – Perioperative Department

About Howard University Hospital

With over 150 years of caring for our community and each other in the Washington, DC area, Howard University Hospital has a world‑renowned reputation for high‑quality, patient‑centric care. Howard University Hospital is the nation’s only teaching hospital located on the campus of a Historically Black University and has created a superior learning environment with groundbreaking research and positive patient outcomes.

Position Summary

The Clinical Nurse – Per Diem (PACU) is a Registered Nurse in the Perioperative Department reporting directly to the Clinical Nursing Administrator. Through collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, the Registered Nurse is responsible for the safe and effective delivery of patient‑centered care to specific patient populations. The RN demonstrates professionalism, adheres to ANA Standards of Practice, exemplifies the Howard University Hospital CARES values, and fulfills our nursing mission and vision. The RN collaborates with intra‑ and interdisciplinary partners to accomplish patient care goals and participates in educational offerings as assigned.

Per Diem Level II Requirements

Schedule: Day Shift – 7:30 AM–8:00 PM (24 hrs/week)
Pay Rate: $61.00/hour

• Required to work two (2) 12‑hour shifts per week; schedules follow 4‑week cycles.
• Not benefits‑eligible; no PTO accrual during participation. Employees may still qualify under the DC Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act (ASSLA).
• Must work two weekends per month (24 hours/month).
• Required to work every other major holiday (New Year’s, Thanksgiving, Christmas). Holidays begin the night before and end at the start of the night shift on the day of the holiday.
• Expected to work difficult‑to‑fill shifts (Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day).

Key Responsibilities

• Assesses, plans, intervenes, and evaluates patient care at the bedside; establishes rapport with patients and families while protecting confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA.
• Documents patient care electronically and maintains continuity through accurate communication of actions, irregularities, and ongoing needs.
• Delegates tasks to non‑licensed personnel and support staff.
• Participates in unit performance improvement activities and other committees including education, engagement, and practice initiatives.
• Adheres to infection‑control protocols, medication storage and administration standards, and controlled substance regulations.
• May serve as Charge Nurse with approval of the Nurse Manager.
• Maintains professional competency through workshops, professional publications, networking, and participation in professional societies.
• Ensures proper operation of equipment, completes preventive maintenance, troubleshoots issues, and coordinates repairs as needed.
• Performs other job‑related duties appropriate to the position; responsibilities represent the general nature and level of work and are not all‑inclusive.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in Nursing required.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.
• Current RN License in the District of Columbia.
• Active American Heart Association BLS, ACLS, and PALS certifications required.
• Minimum 3 years of acute care RN experience, preferably PACU, ICU, or ED due to higher acuity.
• Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) preferred.

Why Howard University Hospital?

• Work–life balance
• Recognition and rewards for professional expertise
• Competitive and comprehensive benefits packages (health, disability, vacation and sick leave, and 403(b) retirement plans)

COVID‑19 Vaccination Requirement

Howard University Hospital requires all external applicants to be fully vaccinated against COVID‑19 before commencing employment. Applicants may be required to provide proof of vaccination and may elect to be vaccinated at a designated HUH location if offered.