PACU Certified Nursing Assistant

Holyoke-Medical-Center; Holyoke (MA); On-site; USD 55,045,000 - 72,925,000; Full time

Job summary

Holyoke Medical Center in Holyoke, MA, is seeking a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) to join the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). This full-time position offers a 40-hour work week with a day shift from 08:00 to 16:30.

Salary ranges from $19.21 to $25.45 per hour, with compensation based on experience. The CNA will assist with patient safety, vital signs, hygiene, mobility, and unit operations under RN supervision, in a fast-paced PACU setting.

Qualifications

• Current CNA certification in the applicable state.
• High School Diploma.
• Current BLS certification.
• PACU or hospital experience preferred.
• Ability to lift, reposition, transport patients.
• Strong communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Assist PACU nurses with admission, transfer, and discharge.
• Document vital signs and observations per protocol.
• Report changes in condition to the RN.
• Assist with patient positioning and mobility.
• Ensure patient safety and privacy.
• Maintain clean, stocked patient rooms and equipment.
• Support timely turnover of PACU bays.

Skills

CNA

Vital signs

Patient safety

Communication

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Holyoke Medical Center · Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Holyoke , MA

Aides/Assistants

Full Time , 40 , day shift , 0800- 1630

Posted 08/28/2026

Salary: $19.21 - $25.45 hourly

Note: The compensation range noted above represents the base salaries for all positions at a given grade acrossthe health system. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual salaries will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range.

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) provides essential direct patient care and clinical support to patients recovering from anesthesia and surgical procedures. Working under the direction of registered nurses and other licensed clinical staff, the CNA assists with patient safety, comfort, mobility, hygiene, vital signs, and unit operations while maintaining a calm, compassionate, and professional environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist PACU nurses with the admission, transfer, and discharge of patients recovering from anesthesia and surgical procedures.
• Obtain and document vital signs and other patient observations as directed by the RN and according to department protocols.
• Observe patients for changes in condition and promptly report abnormal findings, pain, nausea, changes in level of consciousness, or other concerns to the RN.
• Assist patients with positioning, transfers, ambulation, and other mobility needs while maintaining appropriate safety precautions.
• Provide personal care, including hygiene, toileting, linen changes, and other activities of daily living.
• Assist with transportation of patients to and from the PACU, operating room, diagnostic areas, inpatient units, and other designated locations.
• Maintain patient safety by following fall-prevention, infection-control, isolation, and other hospital safety protocols.
• Ensure patient rooms, stretchers, equipment, and treatment areas are clean, organized, and appropriately stocked.
• Assist nursing staff with obtaining supplies, equipment, specimens, and other items needed for patient care.
• Support timely turnover of PACU bays while maintaining appropriate standards for cleanliness, safety, and patient readiness.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and professionalism when caring for patients who may be anxious, disoriented, uncomfortable, or recovering from anesthesia.
• Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Communicate effectively with nurses, anesthesia providers, surgical staff, transport personnel, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Perform other duties within the CNA scope of practice as assigned by the RN or department leadership.

Required Qualifications

• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in the applicable state.
• High School Diploma
• Current BLS certification through an approved provider.
• Previous hospital, acute-care, surgical, or PACU experience preferred.
• Ability to safely lift, reposition, transfer, and transport patients.
• Strong communication, observation, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• Ability to remain calm and responsive in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Commitment to patient safety, dignity, privacy, and compassionate care.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience caring for post-operative or medically complex patients.
• Familiarity with hospital workflows, electronic medical records, and patient transport procedures.
• Previous experience in an operating room, PACU, emergency department, medical-surgical, or other acute-care setting.

This position works in a fast-paced PACU environment where patients may require close observation and frequent assistance following anesthesia. The CNA must be comfortable working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, responding to changing patient needs, and maintaining high standards of safety, infection prevention, and patient-centered care.