Overnight Recovery Nurse in Lindon, UT

Role Overview The Overnight Recovery Nurse provides specialized, one-on-one post-operative care to patients immediately following cosmetic surgical procedures (such as breast augmentation, abdominoplasty/tummy tuck, facelift, or body contouring). The nurse stays with the patient throughout the overnight period (typically 12-15 hours, e.g., evening through morning) in a private setting, such as a hotel, or home environment. The primary focus is on close monitoring for safety, early detection and management of complications, pain/comfort support, and optimization of healing to support the best aesthetic and functional outcomes. Core Responsibilities • Conduct frequent vital sign assessments, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature, and oxygen saturation (SpO2) via continuous or intermittent pulse oximetry. • Administer prescribed medications (e.g., pain relievers, anti-nausea agents, antibiotics, or other post-op drugs) as ordered by the surgeon. • Monitor oxygen levels continuously; initiate and titrate supplemental oxygen therapy if saturation falls below safe parameters and escalate concerns promptly. • Ensure optimal patient positioning to protect surgical sites, maintain airway patency, promote circulation, and prevent pressure-related issues. • Perform regular perfusion and viability checks on critical areas, including: • Nipples/areola in breast procedures (assessing color, capillary refill, temperature, and sensation). • Umbilicus (belly button) and abdominal flap in tummy tuck/abdominoplasty cases. • Other relevant sites (e.g., flaps or grafts) based on procedure. Report any signs of compromise (e.g., poor capillary refill, dusky color, coolness, or reduced sensation) immediately to the on-call surgeon. • Insert peripheral IV lines if needed for hydration, medication administration, or emergency access, and manage existing IVs. • Observe for and manage common post-operative issues such as bleeding, excessive swelling, hematoma, respiratory depression, nausea/vomiting, pain, or changes in level of consciousness. • Provide comfort measures, emotional reassurance, and clear communication to reduce patient anxiety and support restful recovery. • Assist with basic needs (e.g., repositioning, hydration encouragement, toileting support) while promoting early ambulation as appropriate and safe. • Document all assessments, interventions, medications, patient responses, and communications accurately and in real time, adhering to privacy standards. • Maintain direct communication with the surgical team (surgeon or designated contact) regarding patient status, any changes, or need for intervention. • Ensure a clean, safe, and comfortable recovery environment throughout the shift. Required Qualifications • Active Registered Nurse (RN) license (state-specific, e.g., Utah or compact license if applicable). • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) strongly preferred. • Minimum 2 years of relevant clinical experience, ideally in post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), surgical recovery, critical care, plastic/cosmetic surgery, or private duty nursing. • Demonstrated proficiency in IV insertion/management, oxygen therapy initiation, vital sign monitoring, and post-operative complication recognition. • Strong assessment skills with particular attention to tissue perfusion, flap/graft viability, and cosmetic procedure-specific risks. • Ability to work independently during overnight hours while exercising sound clinical judgment and clear escalation protocols. • Compassionate, discreet, and reassuring bedside manner suited to elective cosmetic patients. • Reliable transportation and availability for overnight shifts. • Familiarity with electronic documentation and privacy regulations (e.g., HIPAA).