Travel Nurse RN - Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Pre-Post Op - $3,179 to $3,381 per week in Santa Cruz, CA

Registered Nurse (RN) | Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Pre-Post Op
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Agency: Fusion Medical Staffing
Pay: $3,179 to $3,381 per week
Shift Information: Days - 5 days x 8 hours
Contract Duration: 13 Weeks
Start Date: 11/9/2026

About the Position

TravelNurseSource is working with Fusion Medical Staffing to find a qualified PACU/Pre-Post Op RN in Santa Cruz, California, 95065!

Travel PACU RN

Company: Fusion Medical Staffing

Location: Facility in Santa Cruz, CA

Job Details

Fusion Medical Staffing is seeking a skilled PACU RN for a 13-week travel assignment in Santa Cruz, CA. As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of patients while enjoying competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the support of a dedicated clinical team.

Required Qualifications:

• One year of recent experience as a PACU RN
• Valid RN license in compliance with state regulations
• Current BLS (AHA/ARC) certification
• ACLS (AHA/ARC) certification

Preferred Qualifications:

• PALS (AHA/ARC) or ENPC certifications
• Other certifications and licenses may be required for this position

Summary:

The PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit) Registered Nurse provides specialized care to patients recovering from anesthesia and surgery. This role involves assessing patient recovery, implementing post-operative care plans, administering treatments, collaborating with the surgical team, and coordinating care for discharging or transporting patients. The PACU RN ensures patient safety and comfort during the critical recovery period, using advanced clinical skills, effective communication, and adherence to professional and regulatory standards.

Essential Work Functions:

• Receive and conduct comprehensive assessments of patients transferring from the operating room and assess their post-anesthesia condition
• Monitor and evaluate patient’s vital signs, level of consciousness, and recovery from anesthesia
• Administer prescribed medications and treatments in accordance with approved post-anesthesia nursing techniques
• Maintain awareness of comfort and safety needs of recovering patients
• Observe and document patient conditions, treatments, and significant incidents and respond to anesthesia and treatments, notifying the care team of significant changes or adverse reactions
• Respond promptly to emergency situations utilizing PACU nursing standards, policies, procedures, and protocols
• Accurately document patient assessments, interventions, and recovery progress in the medical records
• Develop and deliver individualized patient and family education plans, including detailed discharge instructions and recovery guidelines
• Collaborate with the surgical team and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive post-operative care
• Participate in patient handoff communications to ensure continuity of care between OR, PACU, and post-PACU units
• Operate and monitor PACU-specific equipment, such as ventilators, monitors, and infusion pumps
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of practice

Required Essential Skills:

• Critical thinking, service excellence, and good interpersonal communication skills
• The ability to read, write, and communicate in the English language
• Ability to read/comprehend written instructions, follow verbal instructions, and proficiency in PC skills
• Physical Abilities - Must be able to remain in a stationary position, move about, move equipment (50-100lbs), push, pull, and bend
• Interpersonal Skills - Must be able to work effectively with a variety of personnel (professional and ancillary) to present a positive attitude and professionalism
• Technical/Motor Skills - Must have the ability to grasp, perform fine manipulation, push/pull, and move about when assisting with procedures and/or using department equipment
• Mental Requirements - Must be able to cope with frequent contact with the general public and customers while meeting deadlines under pressure. Must be able to work under close supervision occasionally, as well as working without assistance from other personnel. Must be able to contend with irregular activity schedules occasionally and continuous concentration to detail
• Sensory - Must possess visual acuity and ability to effectively communicate

Benefits Include:

• Highly competitive pay for travel professionals
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with first day coverage
• Paid Time Off (PTO) after 1560 hours
• Life and Short-term disability offered
• 401(k) matching
• Aggressive Refer-a-friend Bonus Program
• 24/7 recruiter support
• Reimbursement for licensure and CEUs

Why Choose Fusion?

At Fusion Medical Staffing, our goal is to improve the lives of everyone we touch, and we're always looking for people like you to join our mission. Your passion for helping others deserves a partner just as committed to supporting you — that’s why we offer day one insurance, $0 copay for mental health services, scholarships and awards, exclusive discounts, and more. From your personal recruiter to our clinical and traveler experience teams, we’re here to guide and celebrate you along your journey. You take care of others; we take care of you.

Other Duties Disclaimer:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned. This job description is not a comprehensive list of all activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job and is subject to change at any time with or without notice.

Start your rewarding career as a Travel PACU RN with Fusion Medical Staffing and join our mission to improve lives. Apply now!

*Fusion is an EOE/E-Verify Employer

About Fusion Medical Staffing

Fusion Medical Staffing provides career opportunities to healthcare professionals by helping medical facilities fill their staffing needs. Fusion staffs a variety of specialties within the nursing and allied healthcare fields. We offer competitive pay packages and the benefits that travelers deserve. We pride ourselves on our communication skills, accurate job transparency, and traveler-first mentality. At Fusion, you can actually choose your own adventure!

Fusion started staffing therapists in 2009, and has since expanded to specialties within the nursing, long-term care, home health, cath lab, laboratory, cardiopulmonary, and radiology fields. We continue to seek out the best talent in the healthcare industry. Our travelers provide the hands that help heal and save patients' lives, and they will continue to fill our client's facilities nationwide. Fusion is committed to transparency and putting our traveler's needs, wants, and preferences first; that means having our travelers be in the driver’s seat of their own careers. When you put your trust in Fusion, we will help you excel in your career and expand your experience.

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