PACU Registered Nurse

Trinity Health Of New England; Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 50,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center's Connecticut Joint and Spine Institute is seeking an experienced Registered Nurse in the Pre & PACU unit to deliver comprehensive perioperative care for orthopedic and spine procedures. The role focuses on pre-operative assessment, IV initiation, anesthesia preparation, and monitoring through Phase 1 and 2 recovery with safe emergence and discharge readiness.

This full-time Day Shift position offers 36 hours per week with Monday through Friday

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited nursing program with an Associate’s degree in Nursing is required.
• Valid RN license in Connecticut is required.
• The ideal candidate will have one or more years of inpatient PACU experience supporting inpatient surgical recovery.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality pre-operative and post-anesthesia care for patients undergoing joint and spine surgeries.
• Conduct thorough pre-operative assessments, initiate IVs, and support anesthesia preparation.
• Monitor patients through Phase 1 and 2 recovery, ensuring safe emergence from anesthesia, pain control, and readiness for discharge or inpatient transfer.

Skills

ICU-level care

Assessment skills

PACU experience

Vasopressors/ventilated care

Ventilated patient care

Education

Associate degree in Nursing

Connecticut RN license

Tools

BLS/CPR certification

ACLS certification

TNCC certification

Job description

Employment Type: Full time Shift: Day Shift Description:

Position Purpose

At the Connecticut Joint and Spine Institute within Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, the Registered Nurse (RN) in the Pre & PACU unit provides comprehensive perioperative care for patients undergoing orthopedic and spine procedures in a specialized surgical setting.

What You Will Do

• Deliver high-quality pre-operative and post-anesthesia care for patients undergoing joint and spine surgeries.

• Conduct thorough pre-operative assessments, initiate IVs, and support anesthesia preparation.

• Monitor patients through Phase 1 and 2 recovery, ensuring safe emergence from anesthesia, pain control, and readiness for discharge or inpatient transfer.

Minimum Qualifications

Required

• Graduation from an accredited nursing program with an Associate’s degree in Nursing is required.

• Valid RN license in Connecticut

• The ideal candidate will have one or more years of inpatient PACU experience supporting inpatient surgical recovery.

Preferred

• Candidates with 2+ years of ICU-level nursing experience in an ICU or Emergency Room setting may be considered if they demonstrate expertise in ICU-level ventilated patient care, critical drips (e.g., vasopressors, sedatives), and strong assessment skills. Note: Training is not available for candidates without this expertise

• BLS/CPR certification (AHA or ARC)

• ACLS and TNCC certification (support available post-hire)

• Proficiency in ASPAN standards and guidelines

Important Consideration

This role is not designed for new graduates or those seeking training for inpatient PACU nursing. Candidates must be able to function independently in the Preop and PACU, and their resumes must demonstrate expertise in ICU-level ventilated patient care, critical drips (e.g., vasopressors, sedatives), and strong assessment skills.

Position Highlights and Benefits

• Full-Time – 36 hours/week – Day Shift

• Monday thru Friday, no weekend or holidays.

• Variable shift start times, with 9-hour shifts

• Minimal on-call to support off shifts and weekends; minimal frequency is based on unit needs

• This is an hourly position, included in the RN Step Program pay range: $36.15 to $59.95.

Ministry/Facility Information

Saint Francis Hospital, established in 1897, has been a cornerstone institution in Connecticut. As a proud member of Trinity Health Of New England and Trinity Health, it stands as one of the nation’s largest multi-institutional Catholic healthcare delivery systems. Recognized as a Level 1 Trauma Center, Saint Francis Hospital boasts 617 beds and serves as a significant teaching hospital in the region.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.