PACU Registered Nurse (PACU RN)

PACU Registered Nurse (PACU RN)

Location: Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 Employment Type: Full-Time Openings: 2 Positions Department: PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit)

Hiring PACU Registered Nurses (PACU RN) to provide safe, high-quality post-operative patient care in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The PACU RN will monitor and manage patients recovering from anesthesia, ensure airway and hemodynamic stability, manage pain and post-operative complications, and collaborate closely with anesthesia providers, surgeons, and perioperative teams. This role requires strong assessment skills, rapid clinical judgment, and excellent communication to support smooth recovery and safe transfer/discharge.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct nursing care for post-surgical and procedural patients recovering from anesthesia
• Perform continuous assessment of airway, breathing, circulation, neurological status, and pain level
• Monitor and interpret vital signs, telemetry, and overall recovery progress
• Administer medications including pain management, antiemetics, fluids, and ordered post-op treatments
• Identify and respond to post-anesthesia complications (respiratory depression, bleeding, hypotension, nausea/vomiting, etc.)
• Maintain and document accurate patient care records in EMR
• Coordinate safe patient transfer to inpatient units or discharge per PACU protocols
• Communicate patient status updates to surgeons, anesthesia team, and family members as appropriate
• Maintain compliance with infection control, patient safety, and quality standards
• Participate in unit-based performance improvement and professional practice initiatives

Must-Have Requirements

Education: Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Required License: Active Arizona Registered Nurse (RN) License Required Experience: 12 years of RN experience required (PACU/OR/ICU/Telemetry preferred)

Preferred / Nice-to-Have

• Prior PACU / Recovery Room nursing experience
• Experience in ICU / Critical Care / Telemetry
• Strong airway management knowledge and post-op complication recognition
• ACLS certification (preferred)
• PALS certification (preferred, depending on patient population)
• Strong teamwork and ability to perform under pressure in fast-paced perioperative setting

Core Skills & Competencies

• PACU / post-operative recovery nursing
• Airway monitoring and post-anesthesia assessment
• Hemodynamic monitoring & rapid escalation of care
• Pain management and medication administration
• Patient safety, infection prevention, and documentation
• Strong communication and interdisciplinary coordination
• Compassionate, patient-centered care delivery