Registered Nurse (RN) - PACU
Northwestern Medical Center
Registered Nurse (RN) - PACU
The PACU RN provides post-anesthesia care to patients emerging from surgery. The role emphasizes airway management, hemodynamic stability, pain control, and readiness for discharge or transfer to a designated unit.
The nurse collaborates with anesthesia teams and surgeons to ensure safe recovery and clear post-anesthesia instructions for patients and families.
Responsibilities
- Monitor airway, breathing, circulation, and recovery status in the immediate post-anesthesia period.
- Administer analgesia and antiemetic therapies; manage fluid balance as ordered.
- Assess pain, sedation level, and neurologic status; respond to deviations from expected recovery trajectory.
- Coordinate with OR staff and receiving units to determine disposition and bed placement.
- Document recovery progress and discharge criteria in the EHR and provide post-anesthesia instructions.
Qualifications
Education:
Associate degree in Nursing or Bachelor of Science in Nursing from an accredited program.
Licensure:
Current and valid RN license in the state of practice.
Certifications:
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
- Post-anesthesia nursing credentials or CCRN preferred but not required
Experience or Skills:
Experience in PACU or perioperative settings; strong airway management and critical thinking skills.
Experience
- Perioperative or PACU nursing experience
- Experience with post-anesthesia recovery protocols
Preferred
- BSN preferred
- Perfusion or anesthesia-related certifications
Work Environment
Operating room recovery area with close collaboration with anesthesia, surgery, and floor teams; typical shifts align with surgical cases.
Documentation and post-discharge planning are essential components of daily work.
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