PACU Registered Nurse (RN) - PRN

Omega Hospital•Metairie, LA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse (RN) provides specialized nursing care for patients recovering from general, regional, monitored anesthesia care (MAC), and local anesthesia following surgical or procedural interventions. The PACU RN is responsible for continuous patient assessment, airway and respiratory management, pain control, medication administration, and early recognition of post-anesthesia complications while promoting safe recovery and discharge. This position collaborates closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and the interdisciplinary care team to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in a fast-paced perioperative environment.

Requirements

Current Registered Nurse (RN) license in [State] or Compact License.
Minimum 1 year of acute care RN experience, preferably in pre-op, PACU, or surgical/medical-surgical settings.
Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing (ADN required; BSN preferred).
BLS (Basic Life Support) - required.
ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) - required or must obtain within 3 months of hire.
PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) - required or must obtain within 3 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience in pre-operative, PACU, or surgical nursing.
Strong IV insertion and airway management skills.
Familiarity with electronic health record systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner).
Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse (CPAN) or Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia Nurse (CAPA) preferred.

Responsibilities

Monitor patients recovering from general, regional, MAC, and local anesthesia, assessing respiratory status, airway patency, neurological status, pain level, surgical site, and vital signs.
Perform ongoing patient assessments and promptly recognize and respond to complications including airway compromise, bleeding, adverse medication reactions, and changes in patient condition.
Administer prescribed medications, IV fluids, and pain management therapies while monitoring patient response.
Collaborate with anesthesia providers regarding abnormal findings, patient status changes, and discharge readiness.
Assess pain using approved pain assessment tools and implement appropriate pain management interventions.
Complete accurate nursing assessments, interventions, medication administration, and patient responses within the electronic health record.
Verify patient identification and maintain patient safety throughout the recovery process.
Initiate and maintain IV access as appropriate.
Prepare patients for transfer or discharge by ensuring discharge criteria are met and providing patient and family education.
Communicate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, operating room staff, and inpatient nursing units to ensure continuity of care.
Provide complete bedside handoff reports during patient transfers.
Respond effectively during medical emergencies following hospital protocols.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized patient care environment.
Ensure necessary supplies and equipment are available and functioning properly.
Participate in quality improvement initiatives, staff meetings, continuing education, and orientation of new staff when assigned.