What are the responsibilities and job description for the Registered Nurse - PACU position at PACU in Westminster, MD - LifeBridge Health?
Summary
Registered Nurse – PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit)
The PACU Registered Nurse (RN) provides specialized pre-operative and post-operative nursing care for surgical patients, following hospital policies and ASPAN standards to ensure safe, high-quality patient outcomes. The role involves monitoring patients through all perioperative phases, including pre-op, Phase I recovery, and Phase II recovery, while collaborating closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nursing staff, and ancillary teams.
Key responsibilities include:
- Assessing, monitoring, and documenting patient conditions before and after surgery
- Developing and adjusting individualized care plans using critical thinking and clinical judgment
- Managing patient flow from pre-op through discharge or transfer
- Administering medications safely and adhering to infection prevention and patient safety protocols
- Collaborating with anesthesia and interdisciplinary teams to prevent complications, falls, and adverse events
- Educating and communicating with patients and families regarding care plans and recovery
- Responding to emergencies and utilizing hospital escalation resources when needed
- Supporting teamwork, mentorship, process improvement, and compliance with Joint Commission, ASPAN, and hospital standards
The position requires strong clinical assessment skills, rapid decision-making, communication, leadership, and the ability to manage complex post-surgical patient care in a fast-paced environment.
Requirements
Licensure/Certifications
- Current Maryland RN license (or eligibility)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)
- Required within 1 year if not currently held
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Required within 6 months of hire if not currently held
Additional Information
Who We Are:LifeBridge Health is a dynamic, purpose-driven health system redefining care delivery across the mid-Atlantic and beyond, anchored by our mission to “improve the health of people in the communities we serve.” Join us to advance health access, elevate patient experiences, and contribute to a system that values bold ideas and community-centered care.
What We Offer:
Impact: Join a team that values innovation and outcomes, delivering life-saving care to our youngest and most vulnerable patients.
Growth: Opportunities for professional development, including tuition reimbursement and developing foundational skills for neonatal critical care leadership and advanced certification.
Support: A culture of collaboration with resources like unit-based practice councils and advanced clinical education support — improving both workflow efficiency and patient outcomes and allowing you to work at the top of your license.
Benefits: Competitive compensation (additional compensation such as overtime, shift differentials, premium pay, and bonuses may apply depending on job), comprehensive health plans, free parking, and wellness programs.
Why LifeBridge Health?
With over 14,000 employees, 130 care locations, and two million annual patient encounters, we combine strategic growth, innovation, and deep community commitment to deliver exceptional care anchored by five leading centers in the Baltimore region: Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, Grace Medical Center, Northwest Hospital, Carroll Hospital, and Levindale Hebrew Geriatric Center and Hospital.
Our organization thrives on a culture of CARE BRAVELY—where compassion, courage, and urgency drive every decision, empowering teams to shape the future of healthcare.
LifeBridge Health complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation and gender identity/expression. LifeBridge Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex or sexual orientation and gender identity/expression.