Registered Nurse (RN) - PACU

Registered Nurse (RN) - PACU

The PACU RN provides post-anesthesia care to patients emerging from surgery. The role emphasizes airway management, hemodynamic stability, pain control, and readiness for discharge or transfer to a designated unit.

The nurse collaborates with anesthesia teams and surgeons to ensure safe recovery and clear post-anesthesia instructions for patients and families.

Responsibilities

• Monitor airway, breathing, circulation, and recovery status in the immediate post-anesthesia period.
• Administer analgesia and antiemetic therapies; manage fluid balance as ordered.
• Assess pain, sedation level, and neurologic status; respond to deviations from expected recovery trajectory.
• Coordinate with OR staff and receiving units to determine disposition and bed placement.
• Document recovery progress and discharge criteria in the EHR and provide post-anesthesia instructions.

Qualifications

Education:

Associate degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited program.

Licensure:

Current and valid RN license in the state of practice.

Certifications:

• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Post-anesthesia nursing credentials or CCRN preferred but not required

Experience or Skills:

Experience in PACU or perioperative settings; strong airway management and critical thinking skills.

Experience

• Perioperative or PACU nursing experience
• Experience with post-anesthesia recovery protocols

Preferred

• BSN preferred
• Perfusion or anesthesia-related certifications

Work Environment

Operating room recovery area with close collaboration with anesthesia, surgery, and floor teams; typical shifts align with surgical cases.

Documentation and post-discharge planning are essential components of daily work.