Travel Registered Nurse PACU Job

Healthforce•Hilo, HI

7d•$1,981 - $2,095•Onsite

About The Position

This is a traveling assignment for a Registered Nurse in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) located in Hilo, HI. The assignment is for 13 weeks, with a start date of 11/09/2026. The role involves providing direct patient care to post-anesthesia patients in Phase I and Phase II recovery, monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and assessing patients for transfer. The nurse will utilize common PACU equipment and systems, document care accurately, and adhere to safety and infection control standards. The position requires flexibility with rotating shifts of varying lengths (8, 10, and 12 hours) including days, evenings, nights, and weekends/holidays as needed. There are no guaranteed hours for this assignment. Candidates must attend an employee health clearance appointment the Thursday before the start date.

Requirements

Hawaii registered nurse license, active by start date
Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) from the American Heart Association
Minimum 2+ years of critical care experience (ER or ICU) in a hospital setting; PACU experience preferred; ER/ICU experience may substitute for PACU experience
Ability to work in a PACU/ASU environment and to handle fluctuating shifts; on-call requirements as described
A flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exception is required prior to contract start; vaccination may be obtained at an employee health clearance appointment
Candidates not currently in HI must apply for HI licensure upon acceptance of offer; Hawaii license must be obtained by start of assignment

Nice To Haves

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) recommended and may be required for some assignments
Other specialty-related certifications (e.g., NIHSS, TNCC) preferred or may be required for specific positions

Responsibilities

Provide direct patient care for post-anesthesia patients in Phase I and Phase II recovery, ensuring airway, breathing, circulation, and pain management needs are met.
Monitor vitals, temperature, incision sites, dressings, drains as appropriate, and detect early signs of instability or complications.
Administer medications and fluids per orders; manage IV therapy and basic PACU interventions.
Assess patients’ readiness for transfer to subsequent units and communicate changes in status to anesthesia and surgical teams.
Utilize equipment and systems common to PACU environments (e.g., Meditech, PCA and IV pumps, Pyxis, Cryocuff, SCDs, Bair PAWS Warmers, HP/Phillips monitors) and document care accurately.
Adhere to safety protocols and infection control standards; participate in handoffs and shift-to-shift communications.