(RN) - Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) (Days)

Medlinkhealth Anesthesia Associates; Bay City (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Medlinkhealth Anesthesia Associates in Michigan seeks a skilled PACU RN to join our surgical services team. You will care for patients recovering from general, regional, or local anesthesia and monitor vital signs, airway stability, and pain control.

The role emphasizes close collaboration with surgeons and anesthesiologists to ensure safe discharge, timely documentation, and high-quality post-anesthesia care.

Qualifications

• Active RN license required.
• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
• Active BLS Certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) required.
• Minimum 2+ years PACU/Recovery Room nursing experience required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor vital signs and level of consciousness during recovery from anesthesia.
• Maintain patent airway and respiratory function; intervene if obstruction or distress occurs.
• Administer IV fluids, analgesics, anti-emetics to manage pain, nausea, and discomfort post-surgery.
• Assess surgical sites, incisions, and dressings; identify bleeding or complications and initiate interventions.
• Document nursing care precisely and communicate progress with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and PACU team.

Skills

PACU nursing

Hemodynamic monitoring

Airway management

Critical thinking

Team communication

Education

RN License

Nursing degree

Job description

Job Title

Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse (RN)

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and attentive Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse (RN) to join our surgical services team. In this role, you will provide specialized bedside nursing care to patients recovering from general, regional, or local anesthesia following surgical procedures. You will closely monitor vital signs, manage acute post-operative symptoms, oversee airway stability, and collaborate with surgical and anesthesia teams to ensure smooth patient recovery and safe discharge.

Key Responsibilities

• Patient Monitoring: Continuously monitor vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, temperature) and assess the patient’s level of consciousness during recovery from anesthesia.
• Airway & Respiratory Management: Ensure a patent airway and maintain adequate respiratory function, intervening rapidly if obstruction or respiratory distress occurs.
• Symptom & Pain Control: Administer IV fluids, analgesics, anti-emetics, and other ordered medications to manage post-operative pain, nausea, and surgical discomfort.
• Clinical Assessment & Emergency Intervention: Assess surgical sites, incisions, and dressings for bleeding, drainage, or complications. Recognize adverse reactions to anesthesia or surgery promptly and initiate emergency interventions as required.
• Documentation & Team Communication: Maintain detailed electronic nursing records and communicate effectively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and PACU team members regarding patient progress and discharge readiness.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Education & Credentials
  • Active Registered Nurse (RN) License [Required].
  • Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing [Required].
  • Active Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) [Required].
• Clinical Experience
  • Minimum 2+ years of recent Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Recovery Room nursing experience [Required].
• Core Competencies: Advanced hemodynamic monitoring, strong airway management skills, rapid critical thinking in emergent situations, and strong collaborative communication.