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Pre & Post Anesthesia Care Unit RN

ThedaCare · Neenah, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 21, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This role covers both pre-op and PACU in Neenah. Tell me about your experience in each.

What they are checking: Their range across both phases so the manager knows where they will need support.

Tell me about a time you caught something in pre-op that changed the plan for surgery.

What they are checking: Attention to detail and the confidence to raise concerns before a patient goes to the OR.

What would you do

In pre-op you find a potassium level that is high. What do you do?

What they are checking: Recognizing an abnormal lab that could cancel or delay surgery and notifying the right people quickly.

A patient took their blood thinner this morning against instructions. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Understanding bleeding risk and knowing to report to the surgeon and anesthesia before the case goes ahead.

How do you calm a very anxious patient before surgery?

What they are checking: Communication skills that reduce fear and help the patient feel safe.

How do you balance pre-op and PACU patients when both areas are busy?

What they are checking: Prioritization and teamwork when a nurse is covering more than one phase of care.

About the work

Walk me through your pre-op checklist before a patient goes to the OR.

What they are checking: Thorough checks of consent, labs, NPO status, allergies, site marking and medications.

How do you manage a patient who wakes up in PACU with severe nausea and vomiting?

What they are checking: Airway protection, antiemetic use and recognizing patients at higher risk.

What are the warning signs of respiratory depression after surgery, and what do you do?

What they are checking: Fast recognition and response to one of the most dangerous post-op complications.

What discharge teaching do you give a patient going home the same day?

What they are checking: Clear instructions on pain, activity, wound care and warning signs that prevent problems at home.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by ThedaCare.

Why ThedaCare? Living A Life Inspired! Our new vision at ThedaCare is bold, ambitious, and ignited by a shared passion to provide outstanding care. We are inspired to reinvent health care by becoming a proactive partner in health, enriching the lives of all and creating value in everything we do. Each of us are called to take action in delivering higher standards of care, lower costs and a healthier future for our patients, our families, our communities and our world. At ThedaCare, our team members are empowered to be the catalyst of change through our values of compassion, excellence, leadership, innovation, and agility. A career means much more than excellent compensation and benefits. Our team members are supported by continued opportunities for learning and development, accessible and transparent leadership, and a commitment to work/life balance. If you’re interested in joining a health care system that is changing the face of care and well-being in our community, we encourage you to explore a future with ThedaCare. Benefits , with a whole-person approach to wellness – • Lifestyle Engagement • e.g. health coaches, relaxation rooms, health focused apps (Wonder, Ripple), mental health support • Access & Affordability • e.g. minimal or zero copays, team member cost sharing premiums, daycare About ThedaCare! Summary : The RN Clinical Nurse provides patient-centered, specialized, evidence-based nursing care across the continuum through an interprofessional approach to treatment, research, education, and advocacy. Contributes to the goals of the department by being accountable for the delivery of compassionate and safe care within the scope of practice as defined by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing and ThedaCare policy. Through collaborative practice with members of the care team, is responsible for patient outcomes that meet the high quality of care provided by ThedaCare. Furthers the professional practice of nursing at ThedaCare by promoting a culture of innovation and a commitment to growth and professional development. Job Description: SCHEDULE: • (4) 8-hour shifts per week with start times ranging between 5-2:30p • (7) PM shifts required in a 6-week schedule • Call required 1-2x biweekly and every 7th weekend (Fri-Mon) • Call response time 30 minutes • 1-2 holidays per year required UNIT DETAILS (Prep/PACU-Neenah Hospital): This RN would be prepping for surgical and procedural cases, caring for patient and families while focusing on safety and customer experience. Recovering patients post anesthesia, focusing again on safety, and then either discharging or transferring to another level of care. KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES: • Utilizes the nursing process, evidence-based practice, and specific competencies to assess the physical condition and nursing needs of patients, and develops a plan of care in a collaborative practice with the patient and interprofessional team. • Plans for the care needs of the patient in collaboration with the interprofessional team to provide the highest quality of care and clinical outcomes. • Demonstrates clinical expertise in the provision of care in the clinical specialty assigned, and performs all functions of the professional clinical nurse (RN), which are age appropriate, developmentally sensitive, and culturally specific. • Identifies ways to improve the patient’s experience of care, streamline care processes, and lower costs while promoting quality to improve patient, family, and team member satisfaction. • Contributes to a professional environment that encourages mentoring, engagement, and development to retain expert clinicians. • Provides consultation and maintains positive relationships with physicians and other interprofessional team members, collaborating to problem solve and improve patient care. • Demonstrates, anticipates, and proactively manages risk to prevent crises. 8. Performs skillfully in life threatening emergencies, matching demands and resources during crises situations. QUALIFICATIONS: • Current Wisconsin RN Licensure • American Heart Association Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support (BLS) • Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN) required • Bachelor Degree in Nursing (BSN) preferred ThedaCare Regional Medical Center – Appleton & Neenah, Operating Rooms: • American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) within 6 months of hire date • American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) within 6 months of hire date PHYSICAL DEMANDS: • Ability to move freely (standing, stooping, walking, bending, pushing, and pulling) and lift up to a maximum of Fifty (50) pounds without assistance • Job classification is exposed to blood borne pathogens (blood or bodily fluids) while performing job duties • Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination to perform patient care procedures WORK ENVIRONMENT: • Frequent exposure to sharp objects and instruments • Occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and risk of electrical shock • Occasional high noise level in work environment • Standing and/or walking for extended periods of time • Transporting, transferring, positioning patients and/or equipment from one location to another; little likelihood for injury if proper body mechanics and procedures are followed • Possible exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous materials, and pharmacological agents • Occasional contact with aggressive and or combative patients. Scheduled Weekly Hours: 32 Scheduled FTE: 0.8 Location: ThedaCare Regional Medical Center - Neenah - Neenah,Wisconsin Overtime Exempt: No Worker Shift Details: Days

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