PACU

Clinical Nurse (RN) – PACU

Location: Fairfield, CA

Shift: Monday–Friday, 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Contract Duration: 13 weeks

Start Date: October 19, 2026

About the Role

The facility's Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) provides immediate recovery care for patients emerging from surgical procedures. You'll monitor hemodynamic stability, airway patency, and anesthesia recovery while managing pain, nausea, and post-operative complications. This role bridges same-day outpatient procedures and critical care–level inpatients.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and continuously monitor patients for airway patency, vital sign stability, and anesthesia emergence
• Recognize and respond to post-anesthesia complications (respiratory depression, hemorrhage, hypotension)
• Manage airway and ventilatory support as needed during recovery
• Administer pain and symptom management per physician orders
• Collaborate with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and the interdisciplinary team on patient care plans
• Educate patients and families on post-operative care and discharge instructions
• Determine readiness for transfer or discharge using facility criteria
• Document assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately
• Maintain infection control and safety protocols

Required Qualifications

• Active California RN license
• Current AHA BLS and ACLS certification
• Minimum 2 years acute care experience within the last 5 years, or 1 year PACU experience
• ADN or BSN (BSN preferred)
• Arrhythmia interpretation skills

Preferred Qualifications

• CPAN (Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse)
• CCRN, TNCC, ATCN, or TCAR
• Procedural Sedation Certification
• 5+ years acute care experience

Additional Requirements

• PALS certification within 3 months of hire
• TNCC certification (if not previously held) within 12 months
• Ability to perform physical duties: lifting, standing, walking, reaching, fine motor skills