Registered Nurse (RN) - PACU

Registered Nurse (RN) - PACU

This RN works in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, providing immediate postoperative monitoring and recovery for patients emerging from anesthesia.

The role focuses on airway management, pain control, hemodynamic stability, and ensuring safe discharge from PACU.

Responsibilities

• Monitor airway, breathing, circulation, and consciousness after surgery; manage pain and sedation.
• Assess for post-anesthesia complications, perform recovery scoring, and escalate as needed.
• Administer medications and perform postoperative assessments; coordinate with surgical teams for clear handoffs.
• Collaborate with anesthesia providers and nursing staff to ensure timely discharge criteria are met.
• Document recovery progress and discharge instructions in the EHR; provide family updates as appropriate.

Qualifications

Education:

ADN or BSN from an accredited nursing program.

Licensure:

Current RN license valid in the state of employment.

Certifications:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• ACLS preferred or required by department

Experience or Skills:

Experience in post-anesthesia or acute care; strong assessment, airway management, and rapid recovery skills.

Experience

• PACU or post-anesthesia recovery experience
• Experience with airway management and PACU protocols

Preferred

• BSN preferred
• Perioperative certifications

Work Environment

Post-anesthesia recovery area within surgical services; high pace and frequent handoffs between teams.

Shifts depend on surgical volume and may include evenings; documentation is in the hospital EHR and PACU records.