Registered Nurse PACU Recovery

Ascension; Derby (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

403(b) plan

PTO and holidays

Tuition reimbursement

Employee assistance program

Parental leave

Job summary

Ascension is seeking a compassionate PACU nurse to lead the recovery of patients emerging from anesthesia at Via Christi St. Peter in Derby, KS.

The role focuses on safe transition from the operating room to the next level of care, with emphasis on pain management and rapid, stable recovery. Candidates must have an RN license and relevant critical care experience, with ACLS/BLS/PALS certifications as applicable.

Qualifications

• 1+ year of recent ICU/high-acuity critical care experience.
• Active RN license in good standing.
• ACLS, BLS, and PALS certifications preferred or required by program.

Responsibilities

• Lead clinical recovery of patients emerging from anesthesia with safe, smooth transition.
• Monitor physiological data and manage pain and stability to support recovery.
• Maintain infection control and sterile standards to protect patients post-operatively.
• Prepare for and intervene in potential complications using knowledge of procedures and pathophysiology.
• Document the postoperative course accurately for seamless team continuity of care.

Skills

Critical Care Experience

Education

RN licensure

Diploma in Nursing

ACLS

BLS

PALS

Job description

Your future role at a glance

- Location: Derby, KS
- Facility: Via Christi St. Peter
- Specialty: PACU
- Schedule: Day shift | Full-time

Via Christi associates are eligible for tuition discounts and priority placement in select healthcare programs through our academic partnership with Wichita State University.

How you’ll make an impact in this role

- Lead the clinical recovery of patients emerging from anesthesia, ensuring a safe, smooth, and supportive transition from the operating room to the next level of care.
- Monitor and interpret patient physiological data to proactively manage pain and stability, directly improving the patient's comfort and speed of recovery.
- Champion patient safety by upholding rigorous infection control and sterile standards that protect patients during their most vulnerable post-operative moments.
- Anticipate and prepare for potential complications by applying your deep understanding of surgical procedures and pathophysiology to intervene before issues arise.
- Document the patient's post-operative journey with precision, ensuring the entire care team has the high-quality data needed for seamless continuity of care.

What minimum requirements you’ll need

Licensure / Certification / Registration

- Required Credential(s): Registered Nurse obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
- One or more of the following: Advanced Life Support obtained within 6 Months (180 days) of hire date or job transfer date. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
- BLS Provider obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.

Education

- Diploma from an accredited school/college of nursing required. OR Required professional licensure at time of hire.

Additional Preferences:

- Critical Care Expertise: 1+ years of recent experience in an ICU or high-acuity Critical Care environment to ensure patient safety in complex scenarios.

Benefits that help you thrive

- Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options

- Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance

- Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays

- Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning

- Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources

- Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits

- Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

E-Verify statement

Employer participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program. Please click here for more information.