RN PACU

Northwest Medical Center Houghton; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

health insurance

dent

vision

401K

PTO

Tuition assistance

Loan reimbursement program up to $20,0

Job summary

Northwest Medical Center Houghton is seeking a PACU RN to provide patient-centered care in the post-anesthesia care unit. The RN will assess, monitor, and educate patients, collaborating with physicians and the care team to ensure safe and effective recovery after surgery.

The role requires 1–2 years in acute care, RN licensure, and Basic Life Support with ACLS/PALS/NRP preferred. This is a full-time, on-site position at the hospital in Tucson, AZ.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role in an acute care setting.
• RN license required; BCLS required; ACLS and PALS preferred; NRP preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and delivers high-quality, patient-centered care per nursing process and policies.
• Assesses patients, documents findings, and reports changes to the care team.
• Administers prescribed medications and monitors for side effects.
• Assists physicians during procedures within competency scope.
• Educates patients and families on post-operative care and discharge instructions.
• Maintains infection control practices and safety standards.
• Performs post-anesthesia care activities and monitors patient recovery.

Skills

Nursing process

Patient assessment

Medication administration

Communication

Infection control

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Registered Nurse license

Job description

Job Summary

This is a full time PACU opportunity at Houghton Hospital! The Registered Nurse (RN) provides patient-centered care through the nursing process of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation. This role is responsible for coordinating and delivering high-quality care based on established clinical protocols and physician/provider orders. The RN collaborates with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure effective patient care and desired outcomes, while maintaining a supportive and compassionate environment for patients and their families.

Essential Functions

• Coordinates and delivers high-quality, patient-centered care in accordance with organizational policies, protocols, and the nursing process.
• Conducts thorough patient assessments and documents findings accurately, reporting changes in condition to the appropriate care team members.
• Utilizes knowledge of human growth and development to provide age-appropriate care and education.
• Administers prescribed medications, monitors for side effects, and documents administration in accordance with standards of practice.
• Assists physicians during procedures within the scope of documented competency and skill level.
• Collaborates with the healthcare team to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized care plans based on patient assessments and needs.
• Responds to medical emergencies and participates in life-saving interventions, such as CPR and code team activities, as appropriate.
• Advocates for the rights and needs of patients, ensuring their voices are heard and respected in care planning and delivery.
• Provides patient and family education on medical conditions, treatment plans, and post-discharge care, ensuring understanding and adherence to instructions.
• Implements and adheres to infection control protocols to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections.
• Monitors and operates medical equipment (e.g., IV pumps, monitors, ventilators) as needed for patient care and safety.
• Promotes patient safety by adhering to National Patient Safety Goals and maintaining a clean, safe environment for patients and staff.
• Participates in audits, chart reviews, and compliance checks to ensure adherence to standards of practice and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrates responsible decision-making in planning, delegating, and providing care based on patient needs and organizational policies.
• Documents patient care and education thoroughly and promptly in the medical record.
• Engages in professional development to maintain clinical competency and understanding of current nursing standards and regulations.
• Participates in performance improvement initiatives, including data collection and process development, to enhance patient outcomes and care delivery.

PACU RN

• Assesses the patient's level of consciousness and responsiveness as they wake up from anesthesia.
• Evaluates pain levels and administers pain medications as prescribed.
• Observes any side effects of anesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, shivering, or muscle aches.
• Monitors for and responds to any post-operative complications.
• Administers medications, including pain relievers and other post-operative medications, as prescribed.
• Regulates intravenous (IV) fluids and monitors fluid balance.
• Checks and changes dressings on surgical wounds.
• Ensures a clear airway and provides oxygen support as needed.
• Educates patients and families about post-surgery care, potential complications, and discharge instructions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in a clinical nursing role in an acute care setting required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of the nursing process and clinical nursing practices.
• Ability to perform thorough patient assessments and communicate findings effectively.
• Proficient in administering medications and monitoring for side effects.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with interdisciplinary teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in documenting patient care.
• Knowledge of safety standards, infection control, and quality improvement initiatives.

Licenses and Certifications

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure required.
• BCLS - Basic Life Support required.
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred.
• PALS - Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred.
• NRP - Neonatal Resuscitation preferred.
• Refer to facility or unit-specific guidelines for additional requirements.

Benefits

As a core employee with Northwest Healthcare, you will be eligible for competitive base pay, night shift incentives, and a robust total rewards compensation package.

Included in our benefits package includes some of the following:

• health insurance
• dent
• vision
• 401K
• PTO

You can also qualify for tuition assistance and a loan reimbursement program up to $20,000K for qualified programs.

About the Facility

Northwest Medical Center Houghton is a 44-bed, full-service hospital serving Tucson's east side. With a cath lab, 24/7 emergency care at our emergency department and Northwest Emergency Center at Vail, ICU (medical/surgical and telemetry), full lab and radiology services and four operating rooms supporting a broad array of specialties, Northwest Medical Center Houghton holds plenty of opportunity for applicants. Whether caring for patients at the bedside or supporting the hospital in a non-clinical role, we're excited to build a team who can really make an impact on our community.

Equal Opportunity

Northwest Medical Center Houghton is an equal opportunity employer: race, gender, disability and Veteran status, and VEVRAA Federal Contractor - priority referral Protected Veterans requested.