Registered Nurse

PACU RN

This is a per diem role in our Post Anesthesia Care Unit. You're coordinating and delivering care for patients right after surgery, from that critical immediate recovery period through to their transfer to the next unit. It's about concentrated observation, collaboration, and making sure the transition is smooth.

The shift is 8 hours, evenings. The base rate for this position is estimated between $56.81 and $81.13 per hour. There could be other compensation on top of that through differentials or incentives.

What you'll do here

You'll supervise patient care using the nursing process and critical thinking. A big part of the job is coordinating everything; discharge planning, identifying resources, scheduling follow up services, and monitoring how care is delivered.

• Provide focused post anesthesia care and recovery for patients of all ages.
• Advocate for your patients and evaluate their outcomes.
• Coordinate care across different parts of the health system, helping other team members meet patient needs.
• Work closely with physicians and the rest of the healthcare team to facilitate a continuum of care.
• Transfer patients appropriately and give a thorough hand off report to the receiving nurse, including a review of post op orders.

A bit more about the day to day

The unit has some specific essential functions you'll need to handle.

• Your care delivery should show an advanced knowledge base of Cardiovascular, Neuro, Respiratory, and Metabolic issues as they relate to each patient.
• You're moving patients toward discharge using set criteria like Aldrete scores, dermatome levels, stable vitals, oxygen saturation at 94% or higher, and proper pain management.
• Communicate clearly with the MD if a patient's status varies from the expected recovery path.
• Assist with ECT procedures when needed.
• Keep your skills sharp: maintain annual competencies through validation and self studies, and attend a code blue drill every twelve months.
• A basic understanding of Joint Commission requirements and National Patient Safety Goals is part of the job.

The background we need

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in Nursing (BSN) is required. We will consider an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) if you're already enrolled in a BSN program with plans to finish within 2 years of your hire or transfer date into this RN role. We'll need to see a diploma or transcripts for your highest degree earned.

Experience: At least 1 year of current experience in an acute care area related to this service line is required; 2 years is preferred. If you have one year in Critical Care, PACU, or at a Trauma Center? That's definitely preferred.

Certs & Licenses (Required):

• A current, unrestricted RN license from the California Board of Registered Nursing.
• Current BLS (Basic Life Support), PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), and ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) provider cards issued by the American Heart Association.

Certs & Licenses (Nice to have):

A current CPAN (Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse) certification or something related would be great.

A few other things

The hospital expects you to pass its Basic Dysrhythmia course curriculum within 21 days of starting. Basic computer skills and some experience with computerized documentation systems are required.


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