The RN II, PACU is a licensed staff nurse functioning at the competent level, responsible for delivering high-quality, post-anesthesia nursing care to patients recovering from surgical procedures. This includes monitoring vitals, managing airways, administering medications for pain and nausea, and responding to recovery-related complications. The RN II works collaboratively with anesthesia providers, surgical teams, and inpatient units to ensure a safe and efficient recovery process. This nurse uses strong assessment, critical thinking, and communication skills to support timely interventions and improve patient outcomes. The RN II may also participate in shared governance, unit improvement efforts, and preceptorship of new staff.
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UT San Antonio) is a nationally recognized, top-tier public research university that unites the power of higher education, biomedical discovery and healthcare within one visionary institution. As the third-largest research university in Texas and a Carnegie R1-designated institution, UT San Antonio is a model of access and excellence - advancing knowledge, social mobility and public health across South Texas and beyond. UT San Antonio serves approximately 42,000 students in 320 academic programs spanning science, engineering, medicine, health, liberal arts, AI, cybersecurity, business, education and more. With 17,000 faculty and staff, UT San Antonio has been recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers for Company Culture.
Benefits Overview
UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits.
Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. Employees receive $50,000 of group term life insurance and $50,000 of basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance for free, with options to purchase additional employee and dependent coverage for both at group rates.
Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist.
Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits.
Disability - Employees can enroll in the Disability Insurance which provides income if a non-work related illness or injury prevents you from working.
FSAs - Employees can enroll in flexible spending accounts (FSAs) to set aside money from earnings before taxes for qualifying dependent day care expenses or out-of-pocket health care expenses.
Retirement - Employees are eligible for either the Teacher Retirement System (TRS) or the Optional Retirement Plan (ORP). TRS is a defined benefit retirement plan which UT Health matches employee contributions. ORP is for eligible faculty staff employees. Voluntary retirement programs are also available to invest before- or after-tax dollars with the choice of five quality retirement plan providers.
Time Off - A generous leave program offers multiple paid leave options:
- Front-loaded Paid Time Off: 128 to 208 hours (16 to 26 days) of Paid Time Off based on years of service, given at the start of each fiscal year. PTO may be prorated in year one based on date of hire.
- Extended Illness Bank: 8 hours (1 day) accrued per month which can be used for illness or injury after one day of Paid Time Off is taken.
- Paid Family Leave: Up to 240 hours (6 weeks) to care for a spouse, child, or parent after 6 months of consecutive employment.
- Holidays: 12 set paid holidays each year.
Discounts - Employees enjoy a range of discounts on services, tickets, and gym membership.
EEO Statement
UT Health San Antonio is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. It is our policy to promote and ensure equal employment opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or veteran status.
- Competent in post-anesthesia monitoring, airway support, and pain and nausea management.
- Uses clinical judgment to identify and respond to post-op complications.
- Proficient in EKG monitoring and ACLS response (as required for PACU).
- Strong documentation and prioritization skills in a high-acuity, time-sensitive environment.
- Uses effective communication with anesthesia, surgeons, patients, and families.
- Demonstrates cultural sensitivity and adapts teaching for patients in recovery.
- Able to function independently and escalate care when needed.
- Maintains proficiency with EMR and post-op recovery documentation.
- Collaborates well in a multidisciplinary team during rapid turnover or complex recovery.
- Uses critical thinking skills and clinical judgment to work autonomously as defined by the Nurse Practice Act.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and EMR platforms.
- Ability to serve as a preceptor and a mentor by fostering a teaching environment.
Education:
- Bachelor''s of Science in Nursing required
Certification/Licensure:
- Current Texas Board of Nursing (or Compact State) RN license; Or a Temporary Texas RN License (Permanent TX license within 90 days upon hire).
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, within 7 days of hire.
- Monitors patients during anesthesia recovery, assessing vitals, pain, and consciousness level.
- Administers medications for pain, nausea, or sedation as ordered; monitors effects.
- Provides airway management, suctioning, and oxygen support per patient condition.
- Recognizes and responds to anesthesia-related complications or emergent events.
- Documents recovery scores, assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately in the EMR.
- Collaborates with anesthesia and surgical providers to coordinate patient handoffs.
- Provides post-operative education to patients and families during discharge or transfer.
- Participates in shift briefings and huddles to support shared goals and communication.
- Uses therapeutic communication to reduce patient anxiety and improve comfort.
- Functions independently to prioritize patient care during periods of high acuity.
- Acts as a preceptor for new PACU nurses or nursing students as needed. Assists in readiness and stocking of the PACU environment and specialized equipment.
- Participates in near-miss reporting and supports efforts to improve patient safety.
- Escalates concerns related to pain control, hemodynamic instability, or delayed recovery.
- Engages in evidence-based discussions or improvement initiatives related to PACU flow.
- Promotes team collaboration and a positive work environment.
- Helps track and meet department goals related to length of stay, safety, and patient satisfaction.
- Performs other job-related duties to support high-quality, safe post-anesthesia recovery.
- Monitors patients during anesthesia recovery, assessing vitals, pain, and consciousness level.
- Administers medications for pain, nausea, or sedation as ordered; monitors effects.
- Provides airway management, suctioning, and oxygen support per patient condition.
- Recognizes and responds to anesthesia-related complications or emergent events.
- Documents recovery scores, assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately in the EMR.
- Collaborates with anesthesia and surgical providers to coordinate patient handoffs.
- Provides post-operative education to patients and families during discharge or transfer.
- Participates in shift briefings and huddles to support shared goals and communication.
- Uses therapeutic communication to reduce patient anxiety and improve comfort.
- Functions independently to prioritize patient care during periods of high acuity.
- Acts as a preceptor for new PACU nurses or nursing students as needed. Assists in readiness and stocking of the PACU environment and specialized equipment.
- Participates in near-miss reporting and supports efforts to improve patient safety.
- Escalates concerns related to pain control, hemodynamic instability, or delayed recovery.
- Engages in evidence-based discussions or improvement initiatives related to PACU flow.
- Promotes team collaboration and a positive work environment.
- Helps track and meet department goals related to length of stay, safety, and patient satisfaction.
- Performs other job-related duties to support high-quality, safe post-anesthesia recovery.