Transition to Specialty Practice, Main Theatre: Anaesthetics and PACU 2027

Colac Area Health; Geelong; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Structured rotations

Education and study days

Postgraduate certificate pathway

Job summary

Barwon Health in Geelong is offering a Transition to Specialty Practice program for Anaesthetics and PACU nursing in 2027. The role combines perioperative nursing with PACU care, supporting patient safety from the perioperative period through PACU with structured rotations and dedicated clinical support.

The program includes tailored study days, expert guidance, and opportunities to gain hands-on experience across a broad theatre suite.

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse with a minimum of 12 months acute nursing experience.
• Motivated and committed to building knowledge and clinical confidence.
• Effective communication and collaborative teamwork.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and evidence-based practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, high-quality nursing care within the Anaesthetics and Recovery environment.
• Assess, monitor and evaluate patients, responding to changes in their clinical condition.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to support perioperative care.
• Maintain accurate and timely patient documentation in accordance with clinical, legal and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to quality improvement, audits, safety initiatives and service development.
• Support a positive team culture and contribute to the education and professional development of colleagues and students.

Skills

Acute nursing experience

Clinical confidence

Effective communication

Professional development

Job description

Transition to Specialty Practice, Main Theatre: Anaesthetics and PACU 2027

Job Category-Nursing - Registered Nurse (Div 1)

Transition to Specialty Practice, Main Theatre in Anaesthetics and PACU Nursing for 2027

• Launch your specialty nursing career | Gain hands-on experience across Anaesthetics and PACU through structured rotations and dedicated clinical support
• Learn, grow and build confidence | Access tailored study days, expert guidance and a supportive environment designed to help you thrive
• Invest in your future | Complete a structured program with an end-of-program assessment, building valuable skills and opening the door to exciting career opportunities in perioperative nursing

About the role

Anaesthetic Nurse:

The role of the anaesthetic nurse is a dual one that encompasses both the role of the perioperative nurse and the role of the assistant for the anaesthetist. Working collaboratively as a member of the anaesthetic team, the anaesthetic nurse is an integral part of the overall perioperative management of the vulnerable patient in a high acuity environment.

The role of the anaesthetic nurse is integral to the patient's safe journey from the perioperative area through to the Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU).

Post Anaesthetic Care Unit (PACU) Nurse:

A PACU nurse is responsible for the care and monitoring of patients immediately after surgery.

They work in the Post-Anaesthetic Care Unit, attached directly to the theatre suite. They are responsible for detection and safe management of complications related to either the surgery, or the anaesthetic. Their core skills encompass Airway Management, Patient Assessment and Monitoring, Pain and Nausea Management, in addition to the other aspects of post-operative surgical care. Nurses collaborate closely with the Surgeons, Anaesthetists, and other healthcare team members to ensure continuity of care and facilitate a smooth handover from the operating room.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide safe, high-quality and patient-centred nursing care within the Anaesthetics and Recovery environment.
• Assess, monitor and evaluate patients, responding appropriately to changes in their clinical condition.
• Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to support safe and effective patient care throughout the perioperative journey.
• Maintain accurate and timely patient documentation in accordance with clinical, legal and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to quality improvement, audits, safety initiatives and service development.
• Support a positive team culture and contribute to the education and professional development of colleagues and students.

What we’re looking for

• Registered Nurse with minimum of 12 months acute nursing experience at the commencement of program
• Motivated and committed to building knowledge and clinical confidence
• Effective communication, willingness to embrace feedback and work collaboratively to deliver safe, high-quality patient care
• Commitment to continuous professional development and evidence-based practice

About the Service

Operating Services at University Geelong Main theatre offers a round-the-clock service with ten operating theatres. Beyond elective surgeries, the department handles semi-urgent and emergency procedures. Specialities encompass Cardiothoracic, ENT, Gastroenterology, General Surgery, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Oral Faciomaxillary, Plastics, Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, Urology, Vascular and Robotic Surgery.

What the Program Offers

• 12-months: temporary part time commencing February 2027
• A structured introduction to Anaesthetic and PACU nursing including assessment components throughout the program.
• Planned specialty rotations throughout the theatre suite
• Education and clinical support provided by the dedicated Perioperative education team
• Several targeted study and education days
• Opportunities to build specialist perioperative nursing knowledge and skills

Successful completion of this program provides an opportunity to apply for 1 credit point at Deakin University towards a Post Graduate Certificate in Perioperative Nursing

• Excellent working conditions and a strong sense of job satisfaction
• A vibrant staff wellbeing program and access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• Attractive salary packaging benefits
  • Living expenses capped at $9,010
  • Meals and entertainment capped at $2,650

Barwon Health is an inclusive and welcoming employer, committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve. We value and celebrate people of all genders, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, faiths, abilities, family structures, and identities, and encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

Child safety

We are strongly committed to the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people. for further information on the Victorian Government’s Child Safe Standards

• Working with Children Check (if applicable)

Shortlisting may commence prior to the closing date - early applications are encouraged.