Job Title
PACU Registered Nurse
Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse for a community hospital in Elmira, New York, recognized as a Level III trauma center. This role involves providing expert post-operative care to a diverse patient population recovering from a wide range of surgical procedures. The PACU RN will be instrumental in ensuring patient safety and optimal recovery outcomes in a critical care environment.
Daily responsibilities include comprehensive recovery for patients undergoing orthopedic, neurosurgery, general, thoracic, podiatry, and gastrointestinal procedures. The successful candidate will apply the nursing process to assess, plan, implement, and evaluate patient care, collaborating effectively with the interdisciplinary healthcare team.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide direct patient care in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) for patients recovering from various surgical procedures.
- Assume responsibility and accountability for a group of patients for a designated timeframe, ensuring continuity of care.
- Perform comprehensive and systematic patient assessments, focusing on physiological, psychological, and cognitive status.
- Utilize the nursing process (assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation) to develop and deliver individualized patient care plans.
- Monitor and manage post-operative complications, pain, and recovery progression, intervening as necessary.
- Collaborate effectively with physicians, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare team members to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
- Adhere to established standards of care and hospital core values.
- Ensure a safe and therapeutic environment for patient recovery.
Required Qualifications
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license.
- Minimum of one year of recent PACU or critical care experience in an acute care setting.
- Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
- Experience in a Level III trauma center.
Skills & Competencies
- Proficiency in post-operative patient assessment and management.
- Strong clinical skills in managing patients recovering from orthopedic, neurosurgery, general, thoracic, podiatry, and GI procedures.
- Ability to perform comprehensive physiological, psychological, and cognitive assessments.
- Competence in utilizing the nursing process effectively.
- Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-acuity environment.
- Proficiency with electronic health records (EHR) systems.
Shift Details
- Shift: 1:00 PM - 9:30 PM (8-hour shifts)
- Days: 5 days per week
- Contract Length: 13 weeks
- Assignment Dates: September 27, 2026 - December 26, 2026
- Call Requirements: Not specified.
- Weekend Rotation: Not specified.
Licensing Requirements
- Active and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of New York.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (AHA).
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification (AHA).
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification (AHA).