Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse (PACU RN)
Position Title: PACU Registered Nurse (PACU RN)
Department: Post-Anesthesia Care Unit / Surgical Services
Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time
Reports To: PACU Nurse Manager / Director of Surgical ServicesPosition SummaryThe Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse (PACU RN) provides specialized nursing care to patients recovering from anesthesia following surgical and procedural interventions. The PACU RN is responsible for monitoring patients during the immediate post-operative period, assessing patient conditions, managing pain and complications, and ensuring safe recovery and transition of care.Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assess, monitor, and care for patients recovering from anesthesia and surgical procedures.
- Monitor vital signs, airway status, oxygenation, cardiac rhythm, and neurological status.
- Administer medications, IV fluids, pain management therapies, and treatments as ordered.
- Recognize and respond promptly to post-operative complications and emergency situations.
- Perform ongoing patient assessments and document patient progress accurately in electronic medical records.
- Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, CRNAs, and other healthcare professionals regarding patient care.
- Provide patient and family education related to post-operative recovery and discharge instructions.
- Maintain patient safety and comfort during recovery.
- Prepare and transfer patients safely to inpatient units, discharge areas, or intensive care settings as appropriate.
- Ensure compliance with infection control standards, patient safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
- Participate in quality improvement and patient satisfaction initiatives.
QualificationsEducation
- Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) required;Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.
Licensure & Certifications
- Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification required or preferred based on facility policy.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification preferred for facilities treating pediatric patients.
Experience
- Previous PACU, critical care, emergency room, or perioperative nursing experience preferred.
- Experience with post-anesthesia patient monitoring and recovery care preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong assessment and critical thinking skills.
- Knowledge of anesthesia recovery, pain management, and emergency response procedures.
- Ability to recognize and respond quickly to changes in patient condition.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
- Proficiency with electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, and assist with patient transfers and positioning.
- Ability to lift and move equipment and patients as needed.
- Ability to respond quickly during emergency situations.
Work EnvironmentThis position works in a post-anesthesia care setting with exposure to surgical patients, anesthesia recovery, infectious diseases, and emergency situations. Weekend, holiday, call, and extended-hour shifts may be required.