Per-Diem Sedation Registered Nurse (RN)

Job Description: Per-Diem Sedation Registered Nurse (RN)

Organization: High Desert Sports & Spine (HDSS)

Reports To: Clinical Manager or Designated Clinical Leader

Employment Type: Per-Diem / As Needed

Location: Outpatient Specialty Clinic

Position Summary

The Per-Diem Sedation Registered Nurse (RN) provides skilled nursing care and patient monitoring for outpatient procedures requiring sedation at High Desert Sports & Spine. This role is responsible for supporting patient safety throughout the pre-procedure, intra-procedure, and post-procedure phases of care.

Working collaboratively with physicians and clinical staff, the Sedation RN ensures appropriate patient assessment, medication administration within authorized scope and orders, continuous monitoring, timely recognition of complications, and accurate clinical documentation.

The RN helps maintain a safe, organized, and patient-centered procedural environment while adhering to applicable federal and Oregon state regulations, professional nursing standards, and organizational policies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Pre-Procedure Assessment and Preparation

• Review the patient's medical history, allergies, current medications, and relevant clinical information.
• Complete and document pre-procedure nursing assessments within the RN's scope of practice.
• Verify that required orders, consents, pre-procedure instructions, and applicable clinical documentation are present.
• Assess the patient's readiness for sedation and promptly communicate concerns or changes in clinical status to the treating provider.
• Verify availability and functionality of required monitoring equipment, emergency supplies, oxygen, suction, and resuscitation equipment.
• Establish appropriate intravenous access when indicated and within the RN's competency.

Sedation Administration and Patient Monitoring

• Administer and monitor sedation-related medications only pursuant to appropriate orders, applicable authorization, and established protocols.
• Continuously assess and monitor the patient's level of consciousness, airway, respiratory status, oxygenation, hemodynamic status, and response to medication, as appropriate to the sedation level.
• Maintain accurate, contemporaneous documentation of medication administration, vital signs, assessments, interventions, and patient response.
• Recognize and respond promptly to changes in patient condition, including respiratory depression, airway compromise, hemodynamic instability, and other adverse reactions.
• Initiate emergency interventions within training and scope of practice and promptly activate the clinic's emergency response procedures when necessary.
• Communicate relevant patient status updates to the treating provider throughout the procedure.

Post-Procedure Recovery and Discharge

• Monitor patients during recovery until established discharge criteria are met.
• Assess and document the patient's return toward baseline status and identify any complications requiring additional evaluation.
• Provide discharge instructions and reinforce post-procedure precautions as directed by the treating provider.
• Verify that required discharge criteria, transportation arrangements when applicable, and documentation are completed before the patient leaves the clinic.
• Communicate follow-up needs and any concerns to the appropriate clinical team members.

Documentation, Compliance, and Quality

• Maintain accurate, complete, and timely documentation in the electronic health record.
• Follow HDSS policies for medication security, storage, handling, and controlled-substance documentation, as applicable.
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA, infection prevention practices, emergency preparedness requirements, and applicable nursing standards.
• Participate in safety reviews, quality improvement activities, and review of adverse events or near misses when requested.
• Maintain competency in sedation monitoring, emergency response, and equipment use appropriate to assigned duties.

Team Collaboration

• Coordinate with providers and clinical staff to support efficient procedural workflows.
• Communicate clearly and professionally with patients, families, and colleagues.
• Maintain a calm, attentive, and patient-centered approach throughout the procedural experience.
• Complete required documentation and handoffs before concluding assigned duties.

Required Qualifications

• Current, unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in Oregon.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification, as required for the assigned sedation responsibilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of patient assessment, medication safety, physiologic monitoring, and emergency response.
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition.
• Strong clinical judgment, communication, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently within scope while collaborating effectively with the treating provider and clinical team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in procedural sedation, outpatient surgery, interventional pain management, endoscopy, or another procedural setting.
• Experience with moderate sedation monitoring and recovery.
• Experience in an outpatient specialty clinic or ambulatory procedure environment.
• Familiarity with electronic health records and medication documentation systems.
• Current competency in airway management and emergency response appropriate to the role.

Work Schedule and Physical Requirements

This is a per-diem position scheduled according to procedural volume and clinic needs. Hours and shifts may vary (no nights or weekends), and advance scheduling may be provided when possible.

The role requires the ability to:

• Remain attentive during procedures and continuously monitor patients as required.
• Stand, walk, sit, and move throughout the clinical environment for extended periods.
• Assist with patient positioning and movement within established safe-handling practices.
• Respond promptly to clinical emergencies.
• Use clinical monitoring equipment and personal protective equipment.

Professional Expectations

The Per-Diem Sedation RN is expected to demonstrate sound clinical judgment, professionalism, discretion, reliability, and a commitment to patient safety. The RN must maintain appropriate professional boundaries, protect patient confidentiality, and practice within their education, demonstrated competency, licensure, and authorized scope of practice.

This job description describes the general nature and level of work expected for this position and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties. Responsibilities may be adjusted based on clinic needs, applicable regulations, and the RN's authorized scope of practice.

Pay: $41.76 - $60.00 per hour

Work Location: In person