Pediatric PACU Nurse - Day Shift, Critical Care Recovery

Children's National Medical Center; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 61,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC is seeking a registered nurse for the PACU with at least 2 years of PACU or related critical care experience. You will manage airways, administer IPPV, monitor cardiopulmonary status, and deliver timely pain control post-anesthesia.

The role requires DC RN licensure, CPR, and PALS; CPAN/CPN are preferred. Strong organization, critical thinking, and teamwork are essential to ensure patient safety and high-quality care.

Qualifications

• BSN Graduated from an approved school of nursing (Preferred)
• 2 years PACU experience required or related clinical nursing experience in a comparable setting such as critical care or Peds ED. (Required)
• Registered Nurse in District of Columbia (Required)
• CPR (Required); Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) (Required); Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN) (Preferred); Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) (Preferred)

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and manage patient's airway postoperatively including breakthrough laryngospasms; apply knowledge of the physiological changes to the airway postoperatively as a consequence of anesthesia and surgery.
• Perform manual intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV).
• Monitor cardiopulmonary function, airway patency, and oxygen saturation.
• Provide prompt care to minimize emergence delirium and maintain a safe environment during emergence from anesthesia.
• Evaluate and treat post-operative pain in a timely manner with appropriate intervention.
• Manage epidural administration of local anesthetics and opioids.
• Monitor patients with central neuraxial and peripheral nerve blocks.
• Ensure safety and escalate issues following proper chain of command.
• Promote safety and adherence to best practices through evidence-based care.

Skills

Airway management

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Teamwork

Education

BSN

Job description

Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC is seeking a registered nurse for the PACU with at least 2 years of PACU or related critical care experience. You will manage airways, administer IPPV, monitor cardiopulmonary status, and deliver timely pain control post-anesthesia.

The role requires DC RN licensure, CPR, and PALS; CPAN/CPN are preferred. Strong organization, critical thinking, and teamwork are essential to ensure patient safety and high-quality care.