Travel Nurse RN - Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Pre-Post Op - $2,258 per week in Chico, CA

Registered Nurse (RN) | Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Pre-Post Op
Location: Chico, CA
Agency: Highland Staffing, LLC
Pay: $2,258 per week
Shift Information: Nights - 4 days x 10 hours
Contract Duration: 13 Weeks
Start Date: 8/3/2026

About the Position

Job Title

Registered Nurse - Perioperative Services (Pre-Op/PACU)

Job Summary

Join a dedicated perioperative team at a Level II Trauma Center in Chico, California. This role focuses on providing comprehensive care to surgical patients across both pre-operative and post-anesthesia recovery phases. The successful candidate will play a critical role in ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout their surgical journey.

This position involves preparing patients for various surgical procedures, conducting thorough assessments, and providing essential education. Following surgery, you will manage patients in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), monitoring their recovery, managing pain, and addressing immediate post-operative needs. Occasional pre-operative care for GI patients will also be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive pre-operative assessments, including patient history, physical examination, and readiness for surgery.
• Prepare patients for surgical procedures, ensuring all pre-operative protocols are followed.
• Provide direct patient care in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), monitoring vital signs, assessing pain levels, and managing post-anesthesia recovery.
• Administer medications safely and effectively as prescribed.
• Identify and respond to changes in patient condition, escalating concerns to the surgical team as appropriate.
• Educate patients and their families on pre-operative instructions and post-operative care.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
• Provide pre-operative care for occasional gastrointestinal (GI) procedure patients.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in a Pre-Operative and Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) setting.
• Proficiency with Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems, specifically EPIC.

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Peri-Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) and/or Certified Ambulatory Peri-Anesthesia (CAPA) certification.
• Successful completion of prior travel nursing assignments.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in pre-operative patient preparation and education.
• Expertise in post-anesthesia recovery care, including airway management, pain control, and hemodynamic monitoring.
• Ability to manage multiple patients effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic healthcare setting.

Shift Details

• Shift Type: AM
• Shift Duration: 10 hours
• Days per Week: 4
• Weekend Coverage: Primarily weekend coverage.
• Call Requirements: Not specified.
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Start Date: August 3, 2026

Licensing Requirements

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license with the California Board of Registered Nursing.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.