PACU | Registered Nurse

Travel PACU Registered Nurse (RN) – Pre-Op & Phase II Recovery in Madison, WI

Join our healthcare team as an experienced Travel PACU Registered Nurse (RN) providing pre-operative and Phase II post-anesthesia care in Madison, Wisconsin. This on-site travel nursing opportunity is ideal for an RN skilled in caring for adolescent, adult, and geriatric perioperative patients in a fast-paced surgical environment. Madison is a vibrant, welcoming city known for its scenic lakes, bike-friendly neighborhoods, cultural attractions, and excellent quality of life.

Travel Nursing Job Details

• Weekly Estimated Pay: $2,120–$2,230
• Location: Madison, Wisconsin
• Position Type: Travel contract
• Start Date: November 16, 2026
• Assignment Duration: 13 weeks, ending February 15, 2027
• Schedule: Day shifts, generally 5 shifts per week; 8-hour shifts, approximately 5:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Department hours are Monday through Friday, approximately 5:00 a.m.–8:30 p.m.
• Hours: 40 hours per week
• Patient Population: Adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients
• Typical Patient Ratio: Approximately 1:3
• Daily Volume: Approximately 75 patients; unit capacity of approximately 60 beds
• Additional Expectations: Travelers may float as needed. Local candidates within 50 miles are not eligible.

PACU Registered Nurse Job Requirements

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license
• At least 2 years of recent experience in pre-operative nursing and Phase II post-anesthesia recovery
• At least 2 years of acute care experience within the last 3 years in the specialty submitted
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certifications through the American Heart Association
• Recent experience with Epic electronic medical records
• Basic arrhythmia recognition and management experience
• Successful completion of a required telemetry examination before clearance to begin
• Ability to meet strict testing standards, including recognition of lethal rhythms and third-degree heart blocks
• Strong assessment, critical-thinking, communication, and patient-education skills

PACU RN Responsibilities

• Provide safe, compassionate nursing care to perioperative patients and their families before and after procedures
• Complete pre-operative assessments, review health histories, verify orders, and prepare patients for surgery
• Administer pre-operative medications and provide clear procedure and discharge education
• Monitor patients during Phase II recovery, assess pain and nausea, and evaluate readiness for discharge
• Recognize and respond to changes in cardiac rhythm, airway status, neurological condition, and hemodynamic stability
• Manage IV access, central lines, arterial lines, blood products, PCA pumps, wound vacuums, and other clinical equipment as appropriate
• Support patients receiving monitored anesthesia care, nerve blocks, conscious sedation, and reversal agents
• Perform and document nursing interventions in Epic while collaborating with surgical, anesthesia, respiratory, pharmacy, radiology, and rapid response teams
• Deliver individualized care across a broad range of surgical specialties, including general, orthopedic, gynecologic, neurologic, ophthalmologic, urologic, robotic, and spine procedures
• Float to other appropriate areas as needed and contribute to a collaborative, patient-focused care environment

Apply now for this Travel PACU RN opportunity in Madison, Wisconsin, and join a dedicated perioperative healthcare team.

Benefits

401K with Matching, Healthcare, Dental and Vision

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity across our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.