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.
Key responsibilitiesProvide 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