Registered Nurse- PACU

Indiana University Health; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Indiana University Health is seeking a Clinical Nurse in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) to provide high‑quality care to patients recovering from anesthesia across diverse surgical services. The role requires critical thinking and an ICU‑level clinical foundation to manage unstable postoperative patients and those awaiting discharge. Education: ASN required; BSN preferred.

Active Indiana RN license or NLC is needed; BLS certification is required. No.

Qualifications

• ASN required; BSN preferred.
• Active RN license in Indiana or NLC required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Graduation from a nationally accredited nursing program is required; exceptions may be considered with more than two years acute care experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, evidence-based care to PACU patients recovering from anesthesia.
• Monitor and assist with bronchoscopy procedures and peripheral nerve blocks as needed.
• Collaborate with anesthesia physicians, CRNAs, surgical teams, and perioperative departments.
• Demonstrate adaptability to fluctuating patient volumes and rotating shifts.
• Uphold regulatory, safety, and organizational standards in perioperative care.

Skills

Critical-thinking

ICU-level care

Education

ASN

BSN preferred

Job description

Overview

Clinical Nurse – Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)- FT, Days

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse

The PACU Nurse provides high-quality, evidence-based care to patients recovering from anesthesia following a broad range of surgical and procedural interventions. This includes caring for patients emerging from general anesthesia, monitored anesthesia care (MAC), and local anesthesia. Surgical specialties supported include general surgery, neurosurgery, cardiac, and additional perioperative services. PACU nurses must demonstrate strong critical-thinking skills and an ICU-level clinical foundation to manage both unstable postoperative patients and those preparing for discharge home. The role requires the ability to rapidly assess, intervene, and elevate care to ensure patient safety during the immediate postoperative period. PACU nurses work closely with anesthesia physicians, CRNAs, surgical teams, and perioperative departments to maintain a safe and efficient patient care environment. The position requires adaptability to fluctuating patient volumes, from high-intensity surgical days to low-volume periods requiring flexibility and readiness. This role includes weekday and weekend call requirements, with rotating shifts self-scheduled through a structured rotation model.

Additional responsibilities may include assisting with bronchoscopy procedures, supporting preoperative preparation and patient flow, and assisting anesthesia providers with peripheral nerve block procedures. PACU nurses play a critical role in providing safe, compassionate, and timely postoperative care while upholding all regulatory, safety, and organizational standards within the perioperative environment.

Overview

The Clinical Nurse reflects the mission, vision, and values of Indiana University Health, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and applicable regulatory and accreditation standards. The Registered Nurse (RN) is accountable for the provision and coordination of competent, evidence-based care across the care continuum, including assessment, diagnosis, outcome identification, planning, implementation, and evaluation. The Clinical Nurse participates in decision‐making, teaching, mentoring, and collaboration with the multidisciplinary team to support patient outcomes and operational efficiency. The nurse follows the ANA Scope and Standards of Professional Nursing and the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements.

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Nurse

The PACU Nurse provides high-quality, evidence-based care to patients recovering from anesthesia following a broad range of surgical and procedural interventions. This includes caring for patients emerging from general anesthesia, monitored anesthesia care (MAC), and local anesthesia. Surgical specialties supported include general surgery, neurosurgery, cardiac, and additional perioperative services. PACU nurses must demonstrate strong critical‑thinking skills and an ICU‑level clinical foundation to manage both unstable postoperative patients and those preparing for discharge home. The role requires the ability to rapidly assess, intervene, and elevate care to ensure patient safety during the immediate postoperative period. PACU nurses work closely with anesthesia physicians, CRNAs, surgical teams, and perioperative departments to maintain a safe and efficient patient care environment. The position requires adaptability to fluctuating patient volumes, from high‑intensity surgical days to low‑volume periods requiring flexibility and readiness. This role includes weekday and weekend call requirements, with rotating shifts self‑scheduled through a structured rotation model.

Additional responsibilities may include assisting with bronchoscopy procedures, supporting preoperative preparation and patient flow, and assisting anesthesia providers with peripheral nerve block procedures. PACU nurses play a critical role in providing safe, compassionate, and timely postoperative care while upholding all regulatory, safety, and organizational standards within the perioperative environment.

Requirements

Education: ASN required; BSN preferred.

Licensure: Active RN license in Indiana or an active Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) RN license.

Accreditation: Graduation from a nationally accredited nursing program is required. Candidates who did not graduate from an accredited program may be considered with more than two years of acute care experience. All exceptions require review and approval by the Chief Nursing Officer (CNO).

Certifications: Basic Life Support (AHA) required. Additional Advanced Life Support certifications may be required based on unit or department specialty.

Why Join IU Health?

As Indiana’s largest and most comprehensive healthcare system—and the No. 1 ranked healthcare system in Indiana,we offer a supportive and collaborative patient‑centered work environment, competitive benefits, 401(k) with employer match, employer‑paid medical leave, tuition reimbursement, student loan forgiveness through PSLF, an Employee Assistance Program with no‑cost counseling, and the Healthy Results wellness program that provides financial wellness incentives.

Part and Full‑time roles are eligible for a $30,000 sign‑on bonus.

Our Culture

IU Health’s culture of compassion supports holistic, individualized care for patients and their families. Every team member is considered a caregiver, and that culture extends to colleagues and the broader community through outreach, service projects, and wellness initiatives.

We are an equal opportunity employer. IU Health does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.