Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse (PACU RN)
Location: New Bedford, MA
Department: Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Job Type: Full TimeJob SummaryThe Post-Anesthesia Care Unit Registered Nurse (PACU RN) provides specialized nursing care to patients recovering from anesthesia following surgical and diagnostic procedures. The PACU RN monitors patients'vital signs, respiratory status, level of consciousness, pain, and surgical recovery while identifying and responding to potential complications. The RN collaborates with anesthesiologists, surgeons, and the interdisciplinary healthcare team to promote safe recovery and ensure patients meet appropriate discharge or transfer criteria.Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assess and monitor patients upon arrival to the PACU following surgical procedures and anesthesia.
- Continuously evaluate vital signs, cardiac rhythms, oxygen saturation, respiratory status, and level of consciousness.
- Monitor patients for post-anesthesia complications, including airway obstruction, respiratory depression, bleeding, hemodynamic instability, nausea, and vomiting.
- Administer prescribed medications, IV fluids, pain management therapies, and other treatments according to provider orders and facility protocols.
- Manage postoperative pain and nausea while evaluating patients'responses to treatment.
Qualifications
- Current and active Registered Nurse (RN) license in Massachusetts or eligibility for licensure.
- Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification, as required by the employer.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification, if required for the patient population.
- Previous PACU, perioperative, critical care, or acute care nursing experience preferred.
Work EnvironmentThis position is based in a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit within a hospital or surgical facility in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The role may require rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, holidays, on-call coverage, and occasional overtime, depending on facility needs. Nurses must be able to work in a fast-paced clinical environment and respond effectively to postoperative emergencies.Equal Employment OpportunityThe employer provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and complies with applicable federal and Massachusetts employment laws.
Compensation and Benefits: Salary, health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, and other benefits are determined by the employer, experience, qualifications, and employment status.