RN PACU - Travel to Phoenix AZ

Talented Medical Solutions; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Talented Medical Solutions is seeking a Registered Nurse (RN) for the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) in Phoenix, Arizona. The RN will provide specialized nursing care to patients recovering from anesthesia, collaborating with anesthesiologists and surgeons to ensure optimal outcomes. Required qualifications include a current RN license, an accredited nursing program graduation, BLS, and ACLS certifications. The candidate should possess strong communication and critical thinking skills, with a focus on patient assessment and airway management.

Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required or obtained within a specified timeframe.

Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care for patients in the immediate post-anesthesia phase.
• Monitor airway, respiratory status, cardiovascular stability, and neurological status.
• Recognize and respond to complications such as airway obstruction or respiratory depression.
• Administer medications, IV fluids, and blood products as prescribed.
• Educate patients and families on post-operative care and recovery expectations.

Skills

Post-anesthesia recovery knowledge

Patient assessment

Critical thinking

Airway management

Effective communication

Education

Current RN license

Graduate of accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN)

Current BLS certification

ACLS certification

Job description

Registered Nurse (RN) – Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) – Must live outside of AZ.

Department: Surgical Services / PACU.

Reports To: PACU Nurse Manager / Director of Surgical Services.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (or Exempt depending on organization).

Position Summary

The Registered Nurse (RN) in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) provides specialized nursing care to patients recovering from anesthesia following surgical or procedural interventions. The RN monitors patients during the immediate post-operative period, ensures safe recovery from anesthesia, manages pain, and identifies and responds to complications. The RN collaborates with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and the interdisciplinary care team to achieve optimal patient outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate nursing care for patients in the immediate post-anesthesia phase.
• Monitor airway, respiratory status, cardiovascular stability, neurological status, and level of consciousness following anesthesia.
• Recognize and respond promptly to complications such as airway obstruction, respiratory depression, bleeding, hemodynamic instability, or adverse reactions to anesthesia.
• Administer medications, IV fluids, and blood products as prescribed.
• Manage pain, nausea, and other post-operative symptoms using pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.
• Monitor surgical sites, drains, dressings, and tubes for complications.
• Utilize appropriate monitoring equipment including cardiac monitors, pulse oximetry, capnography, and other hemodynamic monitoring devices.
• Collaborate with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals to coordinate patient care and ensure safe patient handoff from the operating room to PACU and from PACU to inpatient units or discharge.
• Educate patients and families on post-operative care, pain management, and recovery expectations.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Follow infection control, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and unit-based activities.
• Maintain competencies related to emergency response, including airway management and resuscitation.

Required Qualifications

• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in the state of practice.
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program (ADN or BSN).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification required or obtained within a specified timeframe.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification if caring for pediatric patients.
• Prior experience in PACU, ICU, ER, or critical care environment.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred.

Skills And Competencies

• Strong knowledge of post-anesthesia recovery and surgical procedures.
• Advanced patient assessment and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to recognize early signs of patient deterioration.
• Proficiency in airway management and emergency interventions.
• Effective communication and teamwork with multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to prioritize care in a fast-paced environment.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced clinical environment with frequent patient turnover.
• Exposure to bodily fluids, infectious diseases, and surgical environments.
• Ability to stand, walk, lift, and reposition patients for extended periods.
• May require on-call, weekend, holiday, or evening shifts depending on facility needs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, move, and assist patients (up to 50 lbs with assistance).
• Prolonged standing and walking.
• Manual dexterity for operating medical equipment and administering medications.