Registered Nurse (PACU) - University Orthopaedic Surgery Center

Position Type: Full-Time | 4x10 Hour Shifts (No weekends, No call, No Major Holidays)

University Orthopaedic Surgery Center is seeking a compassionate, skilled, and patient-focused Post Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse (PACU RN) to join our surgical care team. This position provides nursing care to patients during the immediate postoperative and post-anesthesia recovery period, helping ensure each patient receives safe, attentive, and individualized care following surgery.

The PACU RN assesses and monitors patients as they recover from anesthesia or sedation, documents patient status and recovery, identifies potential complications, and communicates closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and other members of the care team. This role also plays an important part in preparing patients and their families for a safe transition home.

The ideal candidate is a confident and attentive Registered Nurse who demonstrates strong clinical judgment, communicates effectively, and remains calm and responsive in a fast-paced surgical environment.

What You'll Do

• Provide safe, individualized nursing care to patients during the immediate postoperative and post-anesthesia recovery period.

• Assess and document each patient's physical and emotional status upon arrival in the recovery room.

• Continuously monitor patients throughout recovery from anesthesia or sedation and document post-anesthesia care according to established policies and procedures.

• Provide nursing care based on the patient's surgical condition, individual needs, and type of anesthesia administered.

• Recognize changes in patient condition and promptly communicate observed complications or concerns to the surgeon or anesthesia provider.

• Perform thorough postoperative assessments before patient discharge.

• Develop and carry out appropriate plans of care based on patient assessment findings.

• Review postoperative instructions and prescriptions with patients and their family members or caregivers.

• Educate patients and families on appropriate care following discharge, including conditions that require immediate medical attention and how to obtain care.

• Provide comfort, reassurance, privacy, and dignity throughout the recovery process.

• Organize time, equipment, supplies, and patient-care activities to support an efficient recovery-room workflow.

• Use equipment appropriately and anticipate patient-care needs throughout the recovery period.

• Assist with maintaining appropriate inventory levels of supplies, medications, and equipment in the postoperative area.

• Maintain an orderly, clean, and patient-ready recovery environment.

• Follow established standards of nursing practice, facility policies, safety requirements, and compliance procedures.

• Participate in continuing education, meetings, in-services, performance-improvement initiatives, and other professional-development activities.

What We're Looking For

• Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

• Current and active Tennessee Registered Nurse (RN) license.

• Current CPR certification.

• Strong nursing assessment skills and clinical judgment.

• Ability to recognize changes in patient condition and respond appropriately to patient-care needs.

• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and telephone communication skills.

• Ability to communicate professionally and compassionately with patients, families, physicians, and fellow Team Members.

• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, organization, and time-management skills.

• Ability to make decisions, solve problems, and manage responsibilities with limited supervision.

• Dependable and able to respond quickly and effectively to changing patient needs.

• Commitment to maintaining patient privacy, dignity, safety, and high standards of professional nursing care.

Preferred Experience

• Current ACLS and PALS certification.

• Previous experience in an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) environment.

• Previous postoperative, post-anesthesia, surgical, or recovery-room nursing experience.

• Comfortable utilizing computers and electronic systems in a clinical environment.

Join Our Team

At University Orthopaedic Surgery Center, our PACU nurses play an essential role in helping patients safely transition from surgery through recovery and discharge. You'll work alongside surgeons, anesthesia providers, and experienced clinical professionals while providing individualized care during an important stage of each patient's surgical experience.

If you are a compassionate Registered Nurse with strong assessment skills, sound clinical judgment, and a commitment to providing safe and attentive postoperative care, we encourage you to apply and join our surgical care team.