Travel Nurse RN - Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Pre-Post Op - $2,400 to $2,600 per week in Sacramento, CA

Registered Nurse (RN) | Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Pre-Post Op
Location: Sacramento, CA
Agency: United Health Care Staffing, Inc.
Pay: $2,400 to $2,600 per week
Shift Information: Days - 3 days x 12 hours
Contract Duration: 13 Weeks
Start Date: ASAP

About the Position

Registered Nurse - PACU

Job Details

• Location: Sacramento, CA
• Contract Length: 13 Weeks
• Shift: Day Shift
• Schedule: 3×12
• Experience Required: 2 Years
• Pay: $2400-$2600 per week

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Registered Nurse to join a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) team in Sacramento, CA. The PACU RN will provide specialized care to patients recovering from anesthesia and surgical procedures, with a strong focus on airway management, hemodynamic stability, pain control, and safe recovery.

The ideal candidate will have strong post-operative nursing experience, excellent assessment skills, and the ability to recognize and respond quickly to changes in patient condition.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive nursing care to patients recovering from anesthesia and surgical procedures.
• Perform detailed assessments upon arrival to PACU and continuously monitor patient recovery.
• Monitor vital signs, cardiac rhythms, oxygen saturation, respiratory status, neurological status, and level of consciousness.
• Assess and maintain airway and respiratory function following anesthesia.
• Monitor patients for complications related to anesthesia, surgery, bleeding, respiratory issues, or hemodynamic instability.
• Administer medications, IV fluids, pain medications, and other treatments according to physician orders and facility protocols.
• Assess and manage post-operative pain and nausea while monitoring patient response to treatment.
• Monitor surgical sites, dressings, drains, and other post-operative devices as applicable.
• Monitor IV lines, central lines, arterial lines, and other devices as required.
• Review laboratory and diagnostic results and communicate significant findings to the appropriate healthcare providers.
• Recognize changes in patient condition and initiate appropriate nursing interventions.
• Respond promptly to airway emergencies, cardiac events, rapid responses, and other post-anesthesia complications.
• Assist anesthesia providers and surgeons with patient care and post-operative management as needed.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic medical record.
• Evaluate patient readiness for transfer from PACU according to established recovery criteria and facility protocols.
• Provide clear handoff communication to receiving nurses and other healthcare professionals.
• Educate patients and families regarding post-operative care, medications, safety, and recovery instructions when appropriate.
• Maintain infection prevention, medication safety, patient identification, and fall prevention standards.
• Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality.
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses, technicians, and other members of the healthcare team.

Qualifications

• Current and active RN license eligible for practice in California.
• Minimum 2 years of recent PACU, Perioperative, Critical Care, or comparable acute-care nursing experience.
• Strong knowledge of post-anesthesia and post-operative patient care.
• Experience with airway assessment and respiratory monitoring.
• Strong knowledge of hemodynamic and cardiac monitoring.
• Experience with IV medications, pain management, and post-operative treatments.
• Ability to recognize and respond quickly to complications and changes in patient condition.
• Strong clinical judgment and critical-thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and multidisciplinary teamwork abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in high-acuity situations.
• Willingness to work Day Shift on a 3×12 schedule.
• Required certifications should meet applicable facility requireme