Job Description

Job Title: Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse (PACU RN)

Location: Sierra Vista, Arizona

Department: Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Recovery

Job Type: Full-time

The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse Nights provides specialized post-anesthesia nursing care to patients recovering from surgical and procedural anesthesia, including general, regional, and sedation cases. This full-time role is ideal for experienced perioperative nurses who are confident managing high-acuity recoveries, airway and hemodynamic changes, and collaborating closely with anesthesia and surgical teams.

• Provide direct nursing care to post-anesthesia and post-procedural patients in the PACU, including high-acuity and complex recoveries.

• Perform focused and ongoing assessments, monitor vital signs and hemodynamic status, and respond promptly to changes in patient condition.

• Manage airway and respiratory status, including supplemental oxygen, CPAP/BiPAP, and advanced airway support in collaboration with anesthesia and respiratory therapy.

• Administer and titrate IV medications for pain control, sedation reversal, blood pressure management, and antiemetics according to PACU protocols.

• Manage IV lines, peripheral access, and vascular devices; monitor for complications and ensure safe transitions of care.

• Operate and monitor PCA pumps, epidural infusions (if applicable), and other post-operative analgesia modalities.

• Coordinate safe patient handoffs to inpatient units, same-day surgery, or discharge home, ensuring complete and accurate communication.

• Document assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately in the EMR and follow PACU and perioperative safety protocols (e.g., time-out, SCIP, fall prevention).

• Active, unencumbered RN license (Arizona or compact) at time of hire.

• Minimum 2 years of recent RN experience with strong preference for PACU, ICU, ED, or other high-acuity perioperative/critical care backgrounds.

• Current BLS and ACLS certifications; PALS preferred depending on patient population.

• Demonstrated experience with IV medication administration, hemodynamic and respiratory monitoring, and rapid response to post-anesthesia complications.

• Ability to manage multiple PACU patients, prioritize care in a fast-paced perioperative environment, and float to related perioperative areas as needed per facility policy.

• EMR proficiency; prior experience with Meditech or similar systems preferred.

• Advanced post-anesthesia assessment and clinical judgment for patients emerging from general, regional, and procedural anesthesia.

• Strong airway, respiratory, and hemodynamic management skills in a PACU setting.

• Rapid recognition and treatment of post-operative complications such as hypoventilation, hypotension, arrhythmias, and uncontrolled pain or nausea.

• Effective communication and collaboration with anesthesia providers, surgeons, and perioperative staff.

• Commitment to patient safety, comfort, and high-quality recovery care, including accurate documentation and adherence to PACU protocols

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