Post-Operative / PACU Registered Nurse (RN)

At Redefine Healthcare, we are committed to providing every patient with the highest quality of care and compassion. With a dedicated team of Neurosurgeons, Interventional Pain Management Specialists, Orthopedists, Psychiatrists, Physical Therapists, Chiropractors, and Vascular specialists, we pride ourselves on delivering coordinated, comprehensive care across a growing range of specialties.

Redefine Healthcare is looking for a dedicated, full-time and per diem Registered Nurse to join our expanding team of healthcare professionals in our Jersey City Office.

The PACU RN is responsible for providing high-quality nursing care to patients recovering from surgical procedures and anesthesia, ensuring their safety, comfort, and stability throughout the postoperative recovery process. We are looking for candidates who are motivated, compassionate and looking to advance their career in a community that is always growing.

Job Title: Post-Operative / PACU Registered Nurse (RN)

Salary/Pay Rate: $50-55/ hour depending on experience

Hours: 40 hours per week

Job Type: Full-time and Per diem

Benefits: Paid time off, sick time, health insurance (medical, dental, vision, accident, and critical illness), life insurance, 401(k) with Company match, potential yearly bonus based off performance

Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care to patients recovering from surgical procedures and anesthesia in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).

• Perform comprehensive postoperative assessments, including monitoring vital signs, respiratory status, oxygen saturation, cardiovascular stability, neurological function, and level of consciousness.

• Assess and manage postoperative pain, nausea, vomiting, and other common side effects of anesthesia in accordance with physician orders and established protocols.

• Monitor patients for potential postoperative complications, including respiratory distress, excessive bleeding, adverse reactions to anesthesia, and changes in hemodynamic stability.

• Administer prescribed medications, intravenous fluids, and other treatments as ordered by the physician or anesthesia provider.

• Maintain patient airway patency, provide oxygen therapy as indicated, and respond promptly to respiratory or cardiovascular emergencies.

• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective postoperative patient care.

• Evaluate patients' readiness for discharge using established recovery and discharge criteria.

• Provide clear postoperative instructions to patients and their caregivers, including medication management, wound care, activity restrictions, and signs of potential complications.

• Ensure safe patient transfers and communicate relevant clinical information during handoffs between the operating room, PACU, and discharge areas.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of patient assessments, nursing interventions, medication administration, and recovery progress in the electronic medical record (EMR).

• Ensure that PACU equipment, supplies, and patient care areas are properly maintained, stocked, and organized.

• Follow established infection prevention protocols, patient safety standards, and all applicable regulatory requirements.

• Participate in emergency response procedures and maintain readiness to assist with patient stabilization and resuscitation when necessary.

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the surgical center.

Qualifications

Required:

• Active and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of New Jersey.

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program.

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

• Current Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.

• Previous nursing experience in a PACU, post-anesthesia recovery, critical care, or comparable acute care setting.

• Strong clinical assessment skills and the ability to recognize and respond to postoperative complications.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and critical-thinking skills.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced surgical environment and collaborate with a multidisciplinary healthcare team.

Preferred:

• At least 1–2 years of experience in a PACU or postoperative recovery setting.

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

• Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) certification.

• Experience caring for patients undergoing orthopedic, spine, or pain management procedures.

• Familiarity with electronic medical records and postoperative documentation requirements.

Work Environment

• Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) setting.

• Direct patient care involving post-anesthesia monitoring, recovery, and discharge preparation.

• Must be comfortable managing multiple patients, responding to changes in patient conditions, and maintaining high standards of patient safety.