Clinical Nurse - Transition Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Clinical Nurse - Transition Post Anesthesia Care Unit - Night Shift

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a world-renowned institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Transition Post Anesthesia Care Unit (P04B) provides specialized nursing care for patients transitioning through the peri-anesthesia continuum, including PreOp, PACU, and TPACU settings. The Clinical Nurse plays a critical role in ensuring safe, high-quality, patient-centered care throughout these phases.

The Clinical Nurse is responsible for delivering evidence-based nursing care, supporting exceptional patient outcomes, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to achieve operational excellence. The Clinical Nurse contributes to innovation, quality improvement, and professional nursing practice while supporting the mission and values of UT MD Anderson. The Clinical Nurse also supports patients and families through critical stages of surgical recovery and transition during night shift operations.

The ideal candidate will possess current Registered Nurse (RN) licensure and a minimum of two years of Critical Care and/or PACU experience. Preferred candidates will demonstrate strong critical thinking, flexibility, adaptability, and team collaboration skills. The department is seeking individuals who are comfortable rotating between PreOp, PACU, and TPACU environments and are open to working across these areas as needed to support patient care and operational requirements.

Minimum $32.69 – Midpoint $50.58 – Maximum $68.51 per hour

The typical work schedule is Night Shift: 3 twelve-hour shifts per week (7:00 PM – 7:00 AM), with rotating weekends (Saturday or Sunday).
Work Location: Texas Medical Center

Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, the Clinical Nurse contributes directly to the institution’s mission by providing exceptional peri-anesthesia nursing care to patients undergoing complex treatments and procedures. This role offers opportunities to work in a highly specialized clinical environment, participate in evidence-based practice initiatives, collaborate with experienced healthcare professionals, and expand clinical expertise while maintaining a consistent night shift schedule.
• $7,280 Department Based Differential
Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Responsibilities
Transformational Leadership & Operational Excellence
• Participate in daily unit operations to achieve and maintain financial goals through effective and efficient resource utilization
• Provide quality, fiscally responsible patient care
• Anticipate patient and family needs in collaboration with the Charge Nurse, Clinical Nurse Leader, and Nurse Manager
• Utilize available material resources responsibly for direct patient care
• Practice autonomously within the professional nursing scope of practice
• Participate in unit and organizational change initiatives
• Demonstrate loyalty and commitment to the inter-professional team
• Incorporate change processes into daily clinical practice
• Foster peer relationships through coaching and mentoring activities

Innovation, Improvement & Evidence-Based Practice
• Apply new and existing evidence to patient care standards and clinical practice improvements
• Incorporate innovations and improvements within the patient care delivery system
• Comply with all regulatory and professional standards
• Promote an environment that embraces innovation and change
• Practice within the established patient care delivery system and Professional Practice Model
• Demonstrate proficiency in technology utilized in patient and family care
• Participate in assessing, coordinating, implementing, and evaluating safe and effective care delivery
• Utilize evidence-based and empirical outcome measures to improve patient outcomes

Professional Practice & Structural Empowerment
• Provide feedback regarding clerical and clinical staff performance to nursing leadership
• Foster a Just Culture environment through accountability and professionalism
• Contribute to staff evaluations and professional development activities
• Maximize performance within the nursing scope of practice to achieve unit goals
• Demonstrate effective communication, collaboration, conflict management, and resolution skills
• Support an innovative practice environment focused on positive patient and family outcomes
• Build partnerships and strengthen professional relationships across the care team
• Integrate ethical principles into clinical decision-making and patient care
• Pursue lifelong learning and engagement in professional organizations

Clinical Excellence & Patient Care
• Practice evidence-based nursing consistent with current research, institutional standards, and the Texas Nurse Practice Act
• Deliver measurable, outcome-focused patient care using a systematic approach
• Identify, implement, and evaluate opportunities for care improvement
• Collaborate effectively with leaders, departments, disciplines, staff members, patients, and families
• Maintain current clinical knowledge and technological proficiency
• Provide compassionate, clinically competent direct patient care consistent with the Professional Practice Model
• Maintain knowledge of quality improvement outcomes, unit metrics, workforce indicators, and institutional best practices

Perioperative & Emergency Care Expertise
• Organize workflow to support efficient patient throughput and resource utilization
• Maintain stable performance under pressure and during crisis situations
• Verify the correct patient, procedure, and surgical laterality
• Maintain a safe patient care environment through hand hygiene, sterile technique, aseptic practices, positioning, and safe equipment use
• Operate surgical and procedural equipment safely, including applicable operating room technologies
• Promote proper use of personal protective equipment related to infectious diseases, radiation exposure, and laser safety
• Respond effectively to operating room and institutional emergencies, including Massive Transfusion Protocol and Malignant Hyperthermia events
• Perform chart audits to ensure complete intraoperative documentation
• Demonstrate operational cost awareness and participate in cost-saving initiatives
• Address breaks in technique, unsafe conditions, and compliance concerns while serving as a clinical resource