PACU/Recovery Registered Nurse

The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)/Recovery Registered Nurse (RN) provides specialized nursing care to patients recovering from anesthesia following surgical or diagnostic procedures. The PACU RN is responsible for monitoring patients during the immediate post-operative period, managing pain, assessing for complications, and ensuring a safe recovery before discharge or transfer. This role requires strong critical thinking, excellent assessment skills, and the ability to respond quickly in emergency situations.

• Assess, monitor, and care for patients recovering from anesthesia and surgical procedures.
• Continuously monitor vital signs, airway, neurological status, and overall patient condition.
• Recognize and respond promptly to post-operative complications, including respiratory distress, bleeding, cardiac events, and adverse reactions.
• Administer prescribed medications, IV fluids, blood products, and pain management therapies.
• Maintain airway patency and provide oxygen therapy or emergency interventions as needed.
• Collaborate with anesthesiologists, surgeons, physicians, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Document patient assessments, treatments, medications, and recovery progress accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Educate patients and families regarding post-operative care, discharge instructions, medications, and follow-up care.
• Ensure compliance with infection control, patient safety, and regulatory standards.
• Prepare patients for transfer to inpatient units or discharge home once recovery criteria are met.
• Participate in emergency response and code situations when necessary.