Post Anesthesia Care Nurse

St. Mary's Medical Center; Blue Springs (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 101,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical insurance benefit plan

401K

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Blue Springs, MO, is seeking a Post Anesthesia Care Nurse (PACU RN) for their recovery room. This per diem position involves monitoring patients post-surgery, managing pain, and ensuring safe recovery from anesthesia. Candidates must hold a valid RN license and relevant certifications. Experience in perioperative nursing is preferred. Join a dedicated team committed to high-quality patient care in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year previous Perioperative RN experience or on-the-job training.
• Current and valid state RN License.
• Current BLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current.
• PALS (AHA) certification within 30 days of hire and maintain current.
• Minimum of one year perioperative RN experience or equivalent on-the-job training.
• CNOR certification and BSN are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Monitor patients' vital signs to detect complications early.
• Administer medications for pain management.
• Ensure patient has a clear airway and adequate breathing.
• Assess and document patients' level of consciousness.
• Manage surgical sites and observe for signs of infection.
• Provide reassurance to patients waking up, inform family about recovery timeline.

Skills

Patient monitoring

Pain management

Airway management

Communication with healthcare professionals

Documentation skills

Education

Current state RN License

BLS certification

ACLS certification

PALS certification

Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

CNOR (optional)

BSN (optional)

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Post Anesthesia Care Nurse, also referred to as a PACU RN or PACU Nurse, in the recovery room area for our Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU). The PACU RN, or Recovery Room Nurse, plays a critical role in our surgery center by caring for patients as they regain consciousness after surgery or other perioperative procedures requiring anesthesia. PACU RNs are essential in ensuring a safe recovery from anesthesia, addressing any complications promptly, and supporting patients through the critical early stages of post‑operative or perioperative care. This position is on a per diem basis, meaning PD/PRN as needed.

Shift’s Available: Variable

Employment Type: Per Diem (PD/PRN)

Hours: 8‑hour shift: 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Location: St. Mary's Surgical Center – Blue Springs, MO

Here are some of the benefits of working at Prime Healthcare:

• Competitive compensation
• Medical insurance benefit plan
• 401K
• If you have at least one year of experience in the Perioperative area of the operating room as a Circulator, OR Nurse, PACU Nurse or Surgical Nurse you are encouraged to apply!

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (includes, but not limited to):

• Closely monitor patients’ vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and respiration, to detect any complications early.
• Assess and manage pain levels, administer medications as needed to keep the patient comfortable.
• Ensure the patient maintains a clear airway and adequate breathing, addressing any respiratory issues that may arise post‑anesthesia.
• Continuously assess the patient’s level of consciousness, neurological status, and overall stability as they recover from anesthesia.
• Inspect surgical sites, manage drains, and dress wounds as necessary, while observing for signs of infection or other complications.
• Offer reassurance and comfort to patients as they wake up, often disoriented, in a calm and soothing environment; keep the patient’s family informed about their condition and the expected timeline for recovery.
• Communicate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare professionals regarding the patient’s status and any concerns that arise.
• Document all aspects of care provided, including medications administered, patient responses, and any interventions performed.
• Deliver post‑operative discharge instructions to outpatients prior to discharge.

Qualifications

Education and Work Experience:

• Current and valid state RN License.
• Current BLS (AHA) certificate upon hire and maintain current.
• ACLS (AHA) certificate within 30 days upon hire and maintain current.
• PALS (AHA) certificate within 30 days upon hire and maintain current.
• Minimum of one year previous Perioperative RN experience or on‑the‑job training.

Additional Qualifications That Are a Plus:

• Certified Nurse OR RN (CNOR or AORN).
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

Full benefits at Prime Healthcare: https://www.primehealthcare.com/careers/benefits/

Employment Status: Per Diem

Shift: Days

Equal Employment Opportunity

Company is an equal employment opportunity employer. Company prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (subject to applicable law), disability, military status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. The Company also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf