Registered Nurse II/III - MC/CHC - Recovery Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Registered Nurse Position at Riverside University Health System

The County of Riverside's Riverside University Health System, (RUHS), is currently recruiting for an experienced Registered Nurse, (regular, full-time position), to work in the Recovery Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, (PACU). As a Level I Trauma Center, the PACU provides 24/7 support to the Operating Room. This position requires participation in a rotating on-call/back-up schedule, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Additionally, PACU nurses may be floated within the Perioperative Services department (Preop/Postop), or assigned as a helping hand throughout the hospital based on patient care needs, clinical competency, and departmental staffing requirements.

The ideal candidate will have at least two years of recent ICU experience as a Registered Nurse in a Level I Trauma Center or an equivalent high-acuity critical care setting. Please note, two years of recent ICU experience, with at least one year of recent PACU experience as a Registered Nurse, is highly preferred. Additionally, he/she will possess a demonstrated ability to care for critically ill post-operative patients in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.

Required Licenses & Certifications

• A current and valid Registered Nurse license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state of California.
• A current and valid Basic Life Support, (BLS), certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• A current and valid Advanced Cardiac Life Support, (ACLS), certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• A current and valid Pediatric Advances Life Support, (PALS), certification issued by the American Heart Association, Blue Cloud-National Stroke Association, or Apex.
• A current and valid National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, (NIHSS), certification issued by the American Heart Association, Blue Cloud-National Stroke Association, or Apex.
• A current and valid Trauma Care After Resuscitation, (TCAR), certification, (may be obtained within 6 months of hire or transfer)
• A current and valid Pediatric Care Advanced Resuscitation, (PCAR), certification (may be obtained within 6 months of hire or transfer)

Additional Information

• Work Schedule: 6/12-1/8, Night Shift, 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 a.m., rotating weekends, rotating on-call/back-up coverage, required to work holidays

Salary Range (Hourly) & Differentials

• Registered Nurse II - MC/CHC - $45.7530 - $70.8141
• Registered Nurse III - MC/CHC - $57.1735 - $80.2448
• Evening Shift Differential (6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.): $2.50/hour
• Night shift Differential (11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.): $5.00/hour

Meet the Team!

At Riverside University Health System Medical Center, nursing is more than a job, it's an opportunity to make a real difference in a vibrant and diverse community. Nationally recognized for its forward-thinking and innovative approach to patient care, RUHS Medical Center is also a proud teaching hospital and one of the top employers in the region.

Our 439-bed facility is a designated Level I Trauma Center, Primary Stroke Center, and home to the region's only Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). Here, you'll gain valuable experience across a wide range of specialties, including trauma care, stroke, pediatrics, and critical care.

We are committed to your professional growth, offering continuous education, training, and career development programs in a collaborative, supportive, and rewarding environment. Whether you're an experienced nurse or just starting your career, RUHS Medical Center provides unparalleled opportunities to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

Could you see yourself making a difference here? Discover more about RUHS Medical Center at

Examples of Essential Duties

Assess, plan, organize, and provide nursing care to assigned patients in accordance with physician instructions; make preliminary observations of patients and prepare patients for medical treatment.

Assist physicians in administering treatments and in performing medical examinations, diagnostic tests and surgical operations.

Administer prescribed treatment and medications, including dispensing, as ordered to patients; chart treatment of patients; record and report significant changes in condition and general progress of patients.

Counsel and advise patients, families and significant others regarding special medical problems and/or proper healthcare methods.

Prepare and maintain concise and complete records and reports; instruct patients in carrying out physician's orders; transcribe physician's orders to working records.

Provide orientation and training to new staff, residents, medical students, Regional Occupational Program (ROP) participants and nursing students.

Participate in quality assurance reviews; act as a team leader or relief charge nurse.

Assign and monitor, the work of subordinate nursing personnel; participate in committee activities; identify staff training needs.

Triage patients by reviewing admission charts and merging patients into the appropriate patient assignment or clinic flow when appropriate.

Testify in court as to client's mental and physical condition.

Coordinate and monitor patients through the hospitalization process utilizing physicians, primary care nurses and third-party payors to maintain quality care and fiscal responsibility.

Review the post hospital care plan with the patient,/family establishing a contact regarding timeframes and responsibilities; follow care plan through patient discharge.

Minimum Qualifications

Registered Nurse II - MC/CHC

Education: Successful completion of the education required to obtain a valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California. (A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in nursing or a health-related field may be required for some positions.)

Experience: Equivalent to one year of full-time experience as a Registered Nurse in an acute care hospital, clinic outpatient setting, or healthcare agency program. Experience gained as an Interim Permit Nurse may be credited toward meeting the required experience. Evaluations and references must show proficiency of practice as a Registered Nurse.

Knowledge of: Current principles, techniques and procedures used in professional nursing; medical terminology and patient care routine appropriate to clinical setting; medical instruments and equipment; the uses and effects of medicines and narcotics; community resources available to provide patient care and follow-up; federal, state and local laws and regulations governing professional aspects of nursing; identification of potential discharge needs; payor source documentation requirements and governmental regulations affecting reimbursement.

Ability to: Perform the full range of nursing duties and responsibilities in a patient care setting; plan and organize nursing plans for patients; prepare and maintain concise and complete records and reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, patients, and fellow employees; assist in the instruction of entry-level nurses and ancillary personnel; evaluate the medical records of hospital admissions; make recommendations regarding continued stay necessity; identify discharge needs.

Registered Nurse III - MC/CHC

Education: Successful completion of the education required to obtain a valid license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of California. (A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in nursing or a health-related field may be required for some positions.)

Experience: Equivalent to three years of full time experience as a Registered Nurse in an acute care facility or community health agency with references and evaluations to show appropriate skill level. (A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in nursing or a national certification in a nursing specialty may be substituted for one year of the required experience. A master's degree from an accredited college or university in nursing may be substituted for two years of the required experience.)

Knowledge of: Current principles, techniques and procedures used in professional nursing; medical terminology and patient care routine appropriate to clinical setting; medical instruments and equipment; the uses and effects of medicines and narcotics; community resources available to provide patient care and follow-up; federal, state and local laws and regulations governing professional aspects of nursing; identification of potential discharge needs; payor source documentation requirements and governmental regulations affecting reimbursement.

Ability to: Perform the full range of nursing duties and responsibilities in a patient care setting; plan and organize nursing plans for patients; prepare and maintain concise and complete records and reports; establish and maintain effective working relationships with physicians, patients and fellow employees; secure the cooperation of employees to work effectively together; assist in the instruction of entry-