PACU Registered Nurse (RN) - PRN

Position Summary

The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse (RN) provides specialized nursing care for patients recovering from general, regional, monitored anesthesia care (MAC), and local anesthesia following surgical or procedural interventions. The PACU RN is responsible for continuous patient assessment, airway and respiratory management, pain control, medication administration, and early recognition of post-anesthesia complications while promoting safe recovery and discharge. This position collaborates closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and the interdisciplinary care team to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in a fast-paced perioperative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Post-Anesthesia Care
• Monitor patients recovering from general, regional, MAC, and local anesthesia, assessing respiratory status, airway patency, neurological status, pain level, surgical site, and vital signs.
• Perform ongoing patient assessments and promptly recognize and respond to complications including airway compromise, bleeding, adverse medication reactions, and changes in patient condition.
• Administer prescribed medications, IV fluids, and pain management therapies while monitoring patient response.
• Collaborate with anesthesia providers regarding abnormal findings, patient status changes, and discharge readiness.
• Assess pain using approved pain assessment tools and implement appropriate pain management interventions.
• Patient Care & Clinical Documentation
• Complete accurate nursing assessments, interventions, medication administration, and patient responses within the electronic health record.
• Verify patient identification and maintain patient safety throughout the recovery process.
• Initiate and maintain IV access as appropriate.
• Prepare patients for transfer or discharge by ensuring discharge criteria are met and providing patient and family education.
• Care Coordination
• Communicate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, operating room staff, and inpatient nursing units to ensure continuity of care.
• Provide complete bedside handoff reports during patient transfers.
• Respond effectively during medical emergencies following hospital protocols.
• Unit Responsibilities
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized patient care environment.
• Ensure necessary supplies and equipment are available and functioning properly.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives, staff meetings, continuing education, and orientation of new staff when assigned.
  

Qualifications

• Licensure: Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in [State] or Compact License.
• Experience: Minimum 1 year of acute care RN experience, preferably in pre-op, PACU, or surgical/medical-surgical settings.
• Education: Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing (ADN required; BSN preferred).
• Certifications:
• BLS (Basic Life Support) - required.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - required or must obtain within 3 months of hire.
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) - required or must obtain within 3 months of hire
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in pre-operative, PACU, or surgical nursing.
• Strong IV insertion and airway management skills.
• Familiarity with electronic health record systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner).
• Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) or Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) preferred.
  
  

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to lift and move patients and equipment (up to 50 lbs).
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and moving during 12-hour night shifts.
• Exposure to surgical patients, medications, blood/body fluids, and medical equipment.
• Fast-paced environment requiring rapid assessment and decision-making skills.
  
  

Schedule & Shift Details

• Shift: Varies depending on unit need.
• Weekends & Holidays: Rotation required.
• On-Call: May be required depending on surgical volume and unit staffing.