PACU RN: Post-Anesthesia Care Specialist

Talented Medical Solutions; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Talented Medical Solutions is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) for the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The RN will monitor patients recovering from anesthesia, manage pain, and coordinate care with surgical teams. Must be outside of Arizona.

Responsibilities include patient assessment, airway management, wound monitoring, and ensuring safe handoffs to inpatient units or discharge. Current RN license and BLS/ACLS required with PACU/ICU experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Post-anesthesia recovery nursing knowledge and skills.
• Advanced patient assessment and critical thinking.
• Ability to recognize early signs of patient deterioration.
• Proficiency in airway management and emergency interventions.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care for patients in the immediate post-anesthesia phase.
• Monitor airway, respiratory status, cardiovascular stability, neurological status, and level of consciousness following anesthesia.
• Recognize and respond promptly to complications such as airway obstruction, respiratory depression, bleeding, hemodynamic instability, or adverse reactions to anesthesia.
• Administer medications, IV fluids, and blood products as prescribed.
• Manage pain, nausea, and other post-operative symptoms using pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
• Monitor surgical sites, drains, dressings, and tubes for complications.
• Utilize monitoring equipment including cardiac monitors, pulse oximetry, capnography, and other hemodynamic devices.
• Collaborate with anesthesiologists and surgeons to coordinate patient care and ensure safe handoffs.
• Educate patients and families on post-operative care, pain management, and recovery expectations.
• Maintain accurate documentation in the EHR.
• Follow infection control, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and unit-based activities.
• Maintain competencies related to emergency response, including airway management and resuscitation.

Skills

PACU recovery

Critical thinking

Airway management

Emergency care

Teamwork

Prioritization

Education

Graduate of an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN)

Job description

Talented Medical Solutions is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) for the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The RN will monitor patients recovering from anesthesia, manage pain, and coordinate care with surgical teams. Must be outside of Arizona.

Responsibilities include patient assessment, airway management, wound monitoring, and ensuring safe handoffs to inpatient units or discharge. Current RN license and BLS/ACLS required with PACU/ICU experience preferred.