RN - As Needed - PACU

Meritus Medical Center Inc; Hagerstown (MD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Shift differential

Job summary

Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, MD is seeking an experienced RN for the PACU to provide Phase I post-anesthesia recovery care to surgical and trauma patients. This role offers autonomy within a collaborative perioperative team and exposure to a broad range of procedures.

Ideal candidates have ASN, preferably BSN, and at least one year of RN experience in PACU/ICU or high-acuity settings. BLS and MD RN license required; shift differential may apply for evenings/nights.

Qualifications

• ASN required; BSN preferred.
• One year RN experience minimum.
• Maryland RN license and BLS required.

Responsibilities

• Provide Phase I post-anesthesia recovery care for surgical and trauma patients.
• Monitor airway, respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological status post anesthesia.
• Perform nursing assessments and recognize changes requiring intervention.
• Manage post-operative pain, nausea, and symptoms with providers.
• Administer medications and treatments per orders.
• Document accurately in the medical record.

Skills

PACU experience

Critical care

Autonomy

Education

ASN

BSN preferred

Job description

Meritus Medical Center
Hagerstown, MD 21742, USA

Description

RN - PACU - As Needed
Bring Your Critical Care Skills to the Next Phase of the Surgical Journey

The Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at Meritus Medical Center is seeking an experienced and compassionate Registered Nurse (RN) to join our highly skilled perioperative nursing team.

As a PACU RN, you’ll care for a diverse population of surgical and trauma patients during the critical period immediately following anesthesia. This is an excellent opportunity for a nurse who enjoys a fast-paced clinical environment, values autonomy, and thrives as part of a collaborative team.

Our PACU maintains low nurse-to-patient ratios aligned with national ASPAN standards, supported by a dedicated leadership team. This structure gives our nurses the time and resources needed to provide safe, individualized, high-quality patient care.

Why This Role Matters

The transition from surgery and anesthesia to recovery is a critical part of every patient's surgical experience. PACU nurses use advanced assessment skills and clinical judgment to continuously evaluate patients, recognize changes in condition, manage pain and symptoms, and intervene quickly when needed.

As a Phase I recovery unit, our PACU provides nurses with exposure to a wide variety of surgical procedures, patient populations, and clinical conditions. You'll have opportunities to strengthen your critical care and perioperative nursing skills while learning about advancements in surgical, anesthesia, and recovery care.

Key Responsibilities

As a PACU Registered Nurse, you will:

• Provide Phase I post-anesthesia recovery care for surgical and trauma patients
• Continuously monitor airway, respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and overall patient status following anesthesia
• Perform comprehensive nursing assessments and quickly recognize changes requiring intervention
• Manage post-operative pain, nausea, and other symptoms in collaboration with anesthesia and surgical providers
• Administer medications, treatments, and interventions according to provider orders and established protocols
• Maintain patient safety throughout the immediate post-operative recovery period
• Collaborate closely with anesthesia providers, surgeons, OR nurses, and other members of the interdisciplinary team
• Educate and support patients and families throughout the recovery process
• Provide accurate and timely clinical documentation
• Prepare and care for patients in the pre-operative holding area as needed
• Assist anesthesia providers with patient assessments and pre-procedural evaluations
• Support hospital operations by caring for critically ill patients during periods of high census

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ASN) required
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred

Experience

• Minimum of one year of experience as a Registered Nurse required
• Previous PACU, ICU, Critical Care, Emergency Department, or other relevant high-acuity nursing experience preferred

Licensure & Certification

• Current Maryland Registered Nurse (RN) license or active Compact/Multistate RN license recognized by the Maryland Board of Nursing
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Why Meritus Health?

At Meritus Health, our nurses are an essential part of delivering safe, compassionate, patient-centered care to our community. As a member of the PACU team, you'll work alongside experienced nurses, anesthesia providers, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals who value communication, collaboration, and clinical excellence.

You’ll also have the opportunity to:

• Practice with a high level of clinical autonomy
• Work within low nurse-to-patient ratios aligned with ASPAN standards
• Care for a diverse surgical and trauma patient population
• Expand your knowledge of perioperative and critical care nursing
• Work closely with an experienced interdisciplinary team
• Make a meaningful impact on patients during a critical stage of their surgical experience

Happy to Help

At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.

As needed positions are not eligible for benefits and have a set rate of pay. If you work evenings, nights or weekends, you may be eligible for shift differential.

Qualifications

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Basic Life Support

Preferred

Advanced Cardiac Life Sup

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.