Registered Nurse - PACU - Per Diem - Somerset, NJ

Sovereign Health System; Franklin (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sovereign Health System in New Jersey seeks a skilled PACU Nurse to provide immediate postoperative care, monitor vitals, manage pain, and prevent complications in the PACU. Collaboration with anesthesiologists and surgeons ensures safe recovery and timely transfers.

The role requires active RN licensure in New Jersey, ADN or BSN, and BLS/ACLS certification, with perioperative or critical care experience preferred. Knowledge of EHR systems is beneficial.

Qualifications

• Current and valid RN license in New Jersey.
• Completion of an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN).
• BLS certification is required.
• ACLS certification is required.
• Experience in perioperative or critical care nursing is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Monitor patients’ vital signs, airway status, and level of consciousness continuously during the immediate postoperative period.
• Administer medications and pain management interventions as prescribed, adjusting care plans based on patient response.
• Assess and manage postoperative complications such as respiratory distress, bleeding, nausea, and pain.
• Document patient status, interventions, and progress accurately and promptly in medical records.
• Communicate effectively with surgical teams, anesthesiologists, and family members regarding patient condition and care plans.
• Prepare patients for transfer to inpatient units or discharge by ensuring stability and educating patients and families on postoperative care.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized PACU environment adhering to infection control and safety protocols.

Skills

Clinical assessment

Communication

Critical thinking

Documentation

Pain management

Education

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing

Tools

EHR systems

Job description

About The Role

The PACU Nurse plays a critical role in the immediate postoperative care of patients recovering from anesthesia following surgical procedures. This position requires vigilant monitoring of patients' vital signs, pain levels, and overall condition to ensure safe and effective recovery in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. The nurse collaborates closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to manage complications and provide timely interventions. The ultimate goal is to stabilize patients and prepare them for transfer to appropriate care settings, whether that be discharge, inpatient units, or intensive care. This role demands a high level of clinical expertise, critical thinking, and compassionate patient care to optimize recovery outcomes and patient safety.

About The Role

The PACU Nurse plays a critical role in the immediate postoperative care of patients recovering from anesthesia following surgical procedures. This position requires vigilant monitoring of patients' vital signs, pain levels, and overall condition to ensure safe and effective recovery in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. The nurse collaborates closely with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to manage complications and provide timely interventions. The ultimate goal is to stabilize patients and prepare them for transfer to appropriate care settings, whether that be discharge, inpatient units, or intensive care. This role demands a high level of clinical expertise, critical thinking, and compassionate patient care to optimize recovery outcomes and patient safety.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current and valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in New Jersey.


• Completion of an accredited nursing program (Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Nursing).


• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.


• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.


• Experience or clinical exposure in perioperative or critical care nursing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) nursing experience.


• Certification in Post Anesthesia Nursing (CPAN) or Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CAPA).


• Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems.


• Strong background in pain management and patient education.

Responsibilities

• Monitor patients’ vital signs, airway status, and level of consciousness continuously during the immediate postoperative period.


• Administer medications and pain management interventions as prescribed, adjusting care plans based on patient response.


• Assess and manage postoperative complications such as respiratory distress, bleeding, nausea, and pain.


• Document patient status, interventions, and progress accurately and promptly in medical records.


• Communicate effectively with surgical teams, anesthesiologists, and family members regarding patient condition and care plans.


• Prepare patients for transfer to inpatient units or discharge by ensuring stability and educating patients and families on postoperative care.


• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized PACU environment adhering to infection control and safety protocols.

Skills

The PACU Nurse utilizes strong clinical assessment skills daily to monitor and interpret patients’ vital signs and neurological status, enabling early detection of complications. Effective communication skills are essential for coordinating care with multidisciplinary teams and providing clear explanations to patients and families. Critical thinking and quick decision-making are applied when responding to emergencies or changes in patient condition. Technical skills are used to administer medications, manage airway devices, and operate monitoring equipment accurately. Additionally, organizational skills help maintain thorough documentation and ensure a safe, efficient care environment.

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