Registered Nurse- PACU

Indiana University Health System; Lafayette (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

401(k) with employer match

Employer-paid medical leave

Tuition reimbursement

Student loan forgiveness (PSLF)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Healthy Results wellness program

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

Indiana University Health is seeking a Clinical Nurse in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for full-time daytime shifts. The RN delivers evidence-based care to patients emerging from anesthesia and collaborates with anesthesia and surgical teams to ensure safe recovery and timely discharge planning.

The role requires an ASN, Indiana RN license (or NLC), and BLS certification; BSN is preferred. A $30,000 sign-on bonus is offered for eligible full-time positions.

Qualifications

• ASN required.
• BSN preferred.
• Active Indiana RN license or NLC RN license.
• BLS required; additional ALS may be required based on unit.
• Graduation from a nationally accredited nursing program required.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, evidence-based care to PACU patients recovering from anesthesia.
• Assess, monitor, and respond to postoperative patients and complications.
• Collaborate with anesthesia physicians, CRNAs, and surgical teams to ensure safe patient care and flow.
• Participate in decision-making, teaching, and mentoring within the perioperative team.
• Support bronchoscopy procedures, preoperative preparation, and patient flow as needed.
• Cover weekday and weekend call requirements with rotating shifts.

Skills

Critical thinking

ICU-level care

Team collaboration

Teaching/mentoring

Education

ASN

BSN preferred

Accredited nursing program

Job description

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

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
• 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.