Registered Nurse RN PACU

Registered Nurse RN PACU – Methodist Hospital Methodist Hospital, part of SA Health, is a leading healthcare provider in San Antonio, specializing in a wide range of medical services from emergency care to specialized surgery. We are seeking an experienced Registered Nurse RN PACU to join our perioperative team in our fast‑paced Post‑Anesthesia Care Unit. In this role, you will provide high‑quality, compassionate nursing care to patients recovering from anesthesia following surgical and procedural interventions. Working within a supportive and inclusive culture that emphasizes teamwork, innovation, and dedication to patient care, you will be responsible for the continuous assessment and stabilization of patients as they transition from the operating room to recovery or inpatient units. The Registered Nurse RN PACU will perform comprehensive post‑anesthesia assessments, closely monitoring airway, breathing, circulation, level of consciousness, pain, and hemodynamic status. You will administer IV medications, analgesics, fluids, and other prescribed treatments while vigilantly observing for immediate post‑operative complications such as respiratory compromise, bleeding, arrhythmias, or changes in neurological status. Utilizing strong critical thinking and clinical judgment, you will rapidly recognize changes in patients’ conditions and initiate appropriate interventions, collaborating closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and the multidisciplinary perioperative team. This position requires proficiency in cardiac and respiratory monitoring, including interpretation of vital signs and telemetry, as well as skill in pain management, sedation monitoring, and patient safety. You will provide clear, compassionate education to patients and families regarding post‑operative expectations, pain control methods, activity limitations, wound care, and follow‑up appointments, ensuring understanding prior to discharge or transfer. Accurate, timely documentation in the electronic medical record is essential, as is strict adherence to infection prevention protocols, medication safety standards, and hospital policies. As a key member of the PACU team, you will help coordinate patient flow to maintain efficient throughput while preserving the highest standards of care. You will actively participate in quality improvement initiatives, evidence‑based practice projects, and unit‑based committees that drive better surgical and recovery outcomes. Methodist Hospital offers a collaborative environment where nurses are encouraged to share ideas, develop professionally, and pursue specialty certifications. You may be involved in precepting or mentoring new nurses and students, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and mutual support. The ideal candidate is a dedicated, detail‑oriented RN with recent acute care experience, preferably in PACU, ICU, or Emergency Department settings. You should be comfortable working in a high‑acuity, fast‑paced environment that may require rotating shifts, call coverage, weekends, and holidays to support 24/7 patient care needs. Strong communication skills, resilience under pressure, and a commitment to patient advocacy are critical. Methodist Hospital offers competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and retirement plans, as well as ongoing professional development and advancement opportunities for nurses seeking to grow their careers in perioperative and post‑anesthesia care. #J-18808-Ljbffr