Registered Nurse (RN) - Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Job Summary
Join our dedicated nursing team as a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse at an acute care hospital in Hilo, Hawaii. This role is critical in providing specialized care to patients recovering from surgical procedures, ensuring their safety and comfort during the immediate post-operative period.
The PACU RN is responsible for managing patients through pre-operative, Phase I, and Phase II recovery. This involves close monitoring, critical assessment, and intervention to stabilize patients following anesthesia, addressing potential complications, and preparing them for discharge or transfer to another unit.
Key Responsibilities
Provide comprehensive nursing care for patients in pre-operative, Phase I, and Phase II post-anesthesia recovery.
Monitor and assess post-surgical patients for stability, complications, and adverse reactions to anesthesia.
Manage pain, maintain airway patency, and ensure hemodynamic stability.
Assess incision sites, monitor body temperature, and track vital signs and other indicators of stability or complications.
Administer medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
Collaborate effectively with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other members of the healthcare team.
Educate patients and their families on post-operative care instructions and expectations.
Required Qualifications
Minimum of 2 years of recent experience as a Registered Nurse in a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) or a critical care setting (e.g., Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit) within a hospital environment.
Proof of flu vaccination or an approved facility application for medical or religious exemption is required prior to contract start date.
Preferred Qualifications
Previous experience in critical care and surgical nursing.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Other specialty-related certifications (e.g., NIHSS, TNCC).
Skills & Competencies
Clinical Skills: Advanced knowledge of anesthesiology principles, critical care assessment, pain management, airway management, hemodynamic monitoring, and wound assessment.
Equipment: Proficiency with Meditech, PCA Pumps, Pyxis, Braun IV Pumps, Cryocuff, SCD's, Bair PAWS Warmers, HP Monitors, and Phillips Monitors.
Soft Skills: Exceptional critical thinking abilities, strong communication skills, ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment, and meticulous attention to detail.
Shift Details
Shift Type: AM
Shift Duration: 8 hours
Days per Week: 5 days
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Start Date: September 14, 2026
On-Call: Up to 0-3 times per month, which may include 8-hour night shifts and 24-hour weekend/holiday shifts.
Note: While this specific assignment is for 8-hour AM shifts, the unit may operate with varied shift lengths (8, 10, 12 hours) and schedules (Days, Evenings, Nights, Weekends/Holidays) across its ASU and PACU units.
Licensing Requirements
Active and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of Hawaii. Candidates not currently licensed in Hawaii must apply upon acceptance of an offer and must possess the Hawaii license by the assignment start date.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association.
Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification from the American Heart Association.