Travel
PACU
Nashville, TN
Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse
Position Overview
The facility is seeking an experienced PACU Registered Nurse to provide specialized care to patients recovering from anesthesia following surgical and procedural interventions. You will work in a fast-paced recovery environment, closely monitoring patients during the immediate post-operative period and ensuring they meet established criteria for discharge or transfer.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform comprehensive post-anesthesia assessments and continuously monitor patients recovering from general, regional, and monitored anesthesia care (MAC)
- Monitor and maintain airways; recognize and respond to respiratory compromise or obstruction
- Assess and manage post-operative pain, nausea, vomiting, and other post-anesthesia complications
- Administer oxygen, IV fluids, pain medications, antiemetics, and other medications as ordered
- Recognize and respond rapidly to changes in patient condition—respiratory distress, hemodynamic instability, bleeding, altered consciousness, and anesthesia-related complications
- Monitor surgical incisions, drains, dressings, tubes, and devices during recovery
- Collaborate with anesthesia providers, surgeons, OR staff, and inpatient nursing units
- Determine patient readiness for discharge or transfer based on established recovery criteria
- Provide post-operative education and discharge instructions to patients and families
- Maintain accurate, timely documentation and follow all safety and infection-prevention standards
Required Qualifications
- Current, unrestricted RN license
- Current BLS and ACLS certifications
- PALS certification as required by patient population
- Strong airway assessment and management skills
- Experience with cardiac monitoring and dysrhythmia recognition
- Knowledge of post-anesthesia medications and pain management
- Ability to independently manage high-acuity patients
Preferred Experience
- Recent Phase I and Phase II PACU experience
- Experience with general, regional, and MAC anesthesia recovery
- Critical care or ICU nursing background
- Familiarity with electronic medical record systems
Assignment Details
- Shift: 4 × 10-hour days (6:45 AM – 5:15 PM)
- Contract Duration: 13 weeks
- Location: Nashville, TN
- Guaranteed Hours: 36 hours per week