PACU Assistant Nurse Manager
University of Maryland Medical System

Job Requirements

What Sets Our PACU Apart

Our PACU team is known for its strong culture of teamwork, adaptability, and patient-centered care. We foster an environment where nurses are respected as critical thinkers and partners in post-operative recovery. Our unit is led by supportive leadership that values input at all levels and prioritizes clinical excellence and innovation.

Opportunities for Growth

We provide continuous learning through mentorship, certification support (such as CPAN and CAPA), and access to specialized training in advanced post-anesthesia care practices. Team members are encouraged to participate in shared governance, unit-based councils, and leadership pathways within the department and hospital-wide.

Collaborative & Supportive Work Environment

Our PACU prioritizes open communication, peer support, and a strong preceptorship program for new hires. We hold regular team huddles, encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration, and celebrate team milestones and achievements together. Our leadership is approachable and actively involved in daily operations, ensuring staff feel heard and supported.

Record of Excellence

Our department consistently exceeds post-op recovery benchmarks, and we've received recognition for our low complication rates and climbing patient satisfaction scores.

Work-Life Balance & Staff Member Wellness

We strive to maintain balanced and predictable scheduling, offer wellness resources through our employee assistance program, and regularly incorporate staff appreciation and wellness days. We also emphasize the importance of taking breaks and PTO to recharge and prevent burnout.

Position Summary

The Assistant Nurse Manager (ANM) for PACU, Pre-Op, and Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) at Capital Region Medical Center plays a critical frontline leadership role in supporting patient flow, staff engagement, and high-quality perioperative care. This role partners closely with the Nurse Manager to operationalize unit priorities, address real-time challenges, and ensure safe, efficient, and patient-centered care across the perioperative continuum.

The ANM is a visible leader who balances operational oversight with direct clinical support, spending approximately 30% of time working on the floor to support staff, manage throughput challenges, and address barriers to care in real time.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a frontline manager, addressing day-to-day operational issues including PACU boarders, recovery flow, and coordination of care across PACU, Pre-Op, PAT, OR, and inpatient units.

• Support patient throughput by actively participating in throughput coordination discussions and meetings, collaborating with nursing leadership, bed management, anesthesia, surgery, and hospital operations.

• Assist in managing patient flow, recovery capacity, staffing allocation, and escalation of barriers impacting safe and timely care.

• Act as a clinical and operational resource to staff, providing real-time decision support and problem solving.

• Maintain a visible leadership presence on the unit, providing guidance, coaching, and support to nursing and support staff.

• Foster a culture of professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and psychological safety.

• Address staff concerns promptly and escalate issues appropriately in partnership with the Nurse Manager.

• Oversee and support staff scheduling, including daily adjustments, coverage needs, and coordination with staffing offices and agency partners as needed.

• Assist with call coverage planning, PTO management, and mitigation of staffing challenges to ensure safe staffing levels.

• Support strategies to reduce burnout and promote staff well-being.

• Assist in implementing initiatives and priorities set by the Nurse Manager, nursing leadership, and organizational goals.

• Participate in performance improvement initiatives related to patient safety, quality outcomes, patient experience, and operational efficiency.

• Support compliance with regulatory standards, hospital policies, and evidence-based practice.

• Assist with recruitment and hiring of nursing and support staff, including interviewing and selection processes.

• Support onboarding, orientation, and retention efforts for new team members.

• Ensure completion and maintenance of staff competencies, annual requirements, and mandatory education.

• Support staff development, mentoring, and succession planning.

• Participate in leadership meetings, interdisciplinary huddles, and operational discussions as assigned.

• Serve as a liaison between frontline staff and leadership to support communication and alignment.

• Support data tracking, audits, and reporting related to staffing, throughput, and unit performance.

• Other duties as assigned.

Licensure and Credentials

Required

• Current license in good standing as a Registered Nurse in the State of Maryland or a compact state.
• One to two years of Assistant Nurse Manager experience.
• Three to five years of perioperative nursing experience, including PACU, Pre‑op, or PAT.
• Basic Life Support, Health Care Provider (BLS‑HCP) certification.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.
• Strong clinical judgment, communication, and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Five to seven years of perioperative nursing experience.
• Prior charge nurse, lead nurse, or supervisory experience.
• Certification in an area of nursing specialty.
• Certified Perioperative Nurse (CSPAN) certification.
• Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Compensation:

Pay Range: $47.00 - $70.54

Review the 2025-2026 UMMS Benefits Guide

Like many employers, UMMS is being targeted by cybercriminals impersonating our recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. We will never ask for banking details, personal identification, or payment via email or text. If you suspect fraud, please contact us at careers@umms.edu.