Nurse II, PACU - SSU

University of Utah Health•Salt Lake City, UT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA Nursing: Nursing provides patient care, promotes health, prevents illness and supports positive patient care outcomes through comprehensive care and patient advocacy. The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Requirements

Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the State of Utah, or obtain one within 90 days of hire under the interstate compact if switching residency to State of Utah. Must maintain current Interstate Compact (multi-state) license if residency is not being changed to Utah.
Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.
Current RQI Healthcare Provider ALS eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The ALS eCredential is to be obtained within 90 days of hire

Nice To Haves

Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.

Responsibilities

Performs comprehensive pre-operative assessment and Phase 1 and Phase 2 (SSU- Phase 2 only) recovery assessments for Inpatient/ambulatory outpatients; identifies abnormal findings and initiates protocol-based interventions.
Provides nursing care for patients recovering from moderate sedation, general anesthesia, and regional anesthesia in Inpatient/ambulatory settings.
Monitors and interprets post-anesthesia recovery data, including capnography, oxygenation, pain, nausea, and discharge readiness indicators.
Independently stabilizes common recovery issues using standing orders and established protocols, including airway positioning, oxygen titration, pain control, and rescue treatment for nausea and vomiting.
Identifies ambulatory discharge risk factors and collaborates with anesthesia and procedural teams to support safe discharge planning.
Administers medications and treatments in accordance with peri-anesthesia protocols and monitors patient response.
Executes structured handoffs from Pre-Op to OR and OR to PACU/SSU and ensures continuity of information across care transitions.
Provides patient and family education on recovery expectations, discharge instructions, medications, and follow-up needs using teach-back.
Maintains a safe peri-anesthesia environment by adhering to monitoring standards, medication safety practices, and equipment protocols.
Coordinates timely ambulatory discharge and communicates changes in patient status or readiness with the interdisciplinary team.
Serves as an informal resource for routine ambulatory recovery workflows and supports onboarding of newer staff.
At the discretion of department operational and patient care needs, this position is required to work rotating schedules, which may include variable hours, weekends, nights, and holidays to meet the staffing and patient care demands of a 24/7 complex health system. Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance during assigned shifts is considered an essential function of the role.