RN, Post Anesthesia Recovery

Trinity Health; Minot (ND); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Trinity Health in Minot, ND is seeking a skilled Registered Nurse for the Post-Anesthesia Recovery (PACU) to provide specialized care for patients emerging from anesthesia. The role emphasizes vigilant monitoring, airway management, pain control, and collaborative care with anesthesia and surgical teams to ensure a smooth recovery and safe discharge.

This full-time position requires strong clinical judgment, attention to detail, and a patient-centered approach in a fast-paced perioperative

Responsibilities

• Assess and monitor patients transitioning from anesthesia, including airway patency, respiratory status, consciousness level, pain control, and vital signs.
• Administer medications, manage IV access, support airway and oxygenation needs, and respond rapidly to changes in patient condition.
• Provide postoperative education and reassurance to patients and families, ensuring understanding of recovery expectations and discharge instructions.
• Document assessments, interventions, and communication accurately in the electronic health record to maintain regulatory compliance and continuity of care.
• Collaborate with anesthesia, surgery, and postoperative units to coordinate timely transfer and facilitate safe patient progression through the perioperative continuum.
• Participate in quality improvement, safety initiatives, and competency development to support high-reliability PACU practice.

Job description

Position Summary

The RN, Post Anesthesia Recovery provides specialized nursing care to patients emerging from anesthesia following surgical or procedural interventions. This role conducts comprehensive post-anesthesia assessments, closely monitors hemodynamic and respiratory status, manages airway support, and delivers evidence-based care to promote safe recovery from sedation or anesthesia. Working collaboratively with anesthesia providers, surgeons, and perioperative team members, the RN supports timely interventions and effective patient stabilization. As part of a highly coordinated, team-oriented recovery environment, this position promotes patient safety, comfort, and readiness for transfer or discharge through vigilant observation, sound clinical judgment, and clear communication with patients and families.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess and monitor patients transitioning from anesthesia, including airway patency, respiratory status, consciousness level, pain control, and vital signs.
• Administer medications, manage IV access, support airway and oxygenation needs, and respond rapidly to changes in patient condition.
• Provide postoperative education and reassurance to patients and families, ensuring understanding of recovery expectations and discharge instructions.
• Document assessments, interventions, and communication accurately in the electronic health record to maintain regulatory compliance and continuity of care.
• Collaborate with anesthesia, surgery, and postoperative units to coordinate timely transfer and facilitate safe patient progression through the perioperative continuum.
• Participate in quality improvement, safety initiatives, and competency development to support high-reliability PACU practice.