Demo

Charge Nurse PACU

CredTALENT | Healthcare Recruiting
Chicago, IL Full Time
POSTED ON 9/29/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 11/26/2025
Job Title: Charge Nurse – PACU (Full-Time)

Position Summary

The Charge Nurse – Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) is a registered professional nurse who provides clinical leadership, coordination, and expertise in the delivery of post-operative care. This role utilizes critical thinking and advanced clinical judgment to oversee care provided by the team, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered outcomes. The Charge Nurse supports daily unit operations, mentors staff, and serves as a key resource in the PACU.

Key Responsibilities

  • Utilize the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate individualized care for post-anesthesia patients.
  • Lead and coordinate care delivery for patients recovering from anesthesia, ensuring clinical standards and patient safety protocols are met.
  • Serve as a clinical leader and resource for nurses and unlicensed personnel on the PACU team.
  • Demonstrate effective communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration with multidisciplinary healthcare teams.
  • Oversee staff assignments, support workflow efficiency, and ensure adequate staffing coverage.
  • Promote a culture of safety by identifying risks, reporting incidents, and implementing corrective actions to prevent patient harm.
  • Monitor and respond to changes in patient condition with urgency and clinical accuracy.
  • Provide timely patient education and coordinate discharge planning in collaboration with physicians and other healthcare professionals.
  • Support quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing patient outcomes and staff performance.
  • Participate in shared governance activities, professional development programs, and performance evaluations.
  • Demonstrate ethical decision-making and support a professional, respectful, and inclusive work environment.

Additional Leadership Duties

  • Serve as charge nurse by managing unit operations during assigned shifts.
  • Actively participate in or lead unit-based committees or initiatives.
  • Precept and mentor new nurses and team members, validating competency in clinical practice.
  • Collaborate with leadership to assess and improve unit workflows and patient care protocols.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Experience:

  • Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in acute care nursing; PACU or critical care experience strongly preferred.
  • Leadership experience or demonstrated readiness for charge nurse responsibilities.

Licensure & Certifications

  • Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification (AHA required).
  • Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification (AHA required).
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification may be required, depending on patient population.

Skills & Competencies

  • Proficiency in PACU/post-operative clinical care, including airway management, hemodynamic monitoring, and pain control.
  • Strong organizational, delegation, and time management skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
  • Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR) and computer systems.
  • Ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

  • Must be able to stand or walk for extended periods and assist with patient mobility.
  • Ability to respond quickly and effectively in emergent situations.

Benefits

  • 401(K) with 4% employer matching
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off and continuing education opportunities

Additional Information

All employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to accommodations for medical or religious reasons.

This employer is an equal opportunity organization committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

CredTALENT is dedicated to transforming the way healthcare professionals and organizations connect in pursuit of excellence in patient care. With a laser focus on the healthcare industry, we provide tailored recruitment solutions that cater to the unique needs and aspirations of both healthcare candidates and healthcare institutions.

We view our relationships with candidates as long-term partnerships. We are passionate about the healthcare industry, and our mission is to help healthcare professionals make a meaningful impact. Your success is our success, and we are here to support you at every stage of your healthcare career journey.

Call us today at (513) 428-4156 .

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