PACU Registered Nurse - Short Stay

University of Utah Health; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah Health is seeking a Pediatric or Adult PACU Registered Nurse to provide high-quality post-anesthesia care across surgical settings. The role may be filled at multiple career levels (N1–N4) based on qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities include monitoring vitals, managing pain, and ensuring safe recovery. Licensure requirements and potential level-based certifications will be considered during the offer process.

Qualifications

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in Utah.
• Must obtain Interstate Compact (multi-state) license if residency is not changing to Utah.

Responsibilities

• Monitor vital signs, manage pain, and ensure safe post-anesthesia recovery.
• Provide pre- and post-operative care and patient advocacy in PACU.
• Assess patient status and escalate promptly for complex needs.
• Support and mentor other PACU nurses as levels progress (N1–N4).

Skills

RN License

Job description

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA

Job Family

Nursing: Nursing provides patient care, promotes health, prevents illness and supports positive patient care outcomes through comprehensive care and patient advocacy.

Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

This position is posted as a PACU Registered Nurse and may be filled at multiple career levels, based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and demonstrated skill set.

All qualified applicants will be considered for appropriate placement within the PACU Registered Nurse practice setting. If selected to move forward in the hiring process, candidates will be assessed through interviews and other job related evaluations conducted by the hiring manager and clinical leadership.

The final position level and corresponding compensation will be determined at the time of offer, based on the candidate’s assessed competencies, experience, and alignment with the requirements of each level within the practice setting. Different career levels within this practice setting may carry additional certification, education, and experience requirements, which must be met to qualify for placement at the corresponding level.

Post Anesthesia Care nurses provide a critical role in the continuum of surgical care in all surgical settings by providing pre- and post-operative care to patients recovering following surgery or other procedures. They monitor vital signs, manage pain, and ensure patients regain consciousness safely. These nurses are essential in identifying complications early and providing immediate interventions.

Nurse Level 1 (N1) – Supervised Learner

• Entry level nurse that develops foundational clinical skills while providing patient care under close supervision.

Nurse Level 2 (N2) – Independent Practitioner

• Developing nurse that independently manages routine patient care and escalates more complex clinical needs as appropriate.

Nurse Level 3 (N3) – Confident Practitioner

• Experienced nurse that independently manages typical patient complexity, anticipates needs, and adapts care to clinical variations.

Nurse Level 4 (N4) – Leader and Mentor

• Advanced level clinician that leads complex cases and serves as a clinical resource and mentor to other nursing staff.

Qualifications

Licenses Required

• Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Utah, or obtain one within 90 days of hire under the interstate compact if switching residency to State of Utah. Must maintain current Interstate Compact (multi-state) license if residency is not being changed to Utah.
• Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Physical Requirements

Lifting, Non Indicated, Sitting, Walking