Cross Country Nurses is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Washington, District of Columbia.
Job Description & Requirements
- Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
- Discipline: RN
- Start Date: 11/02/2026
- Duration: 13 weeks
- 36 hours per week
- Shift: 12 hours, nights
- Employment Type: Travel
Job Summary
PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) Nurse in the area. This role involves monitoring post-operative patients' levels of recovery and consciousness from anesthesia, providing updates to the medical team, and managing patients' vital signs and post-surgical symptoms. The position requires independent critical thinking and proficiency in patient care within a Level I trauma center setting.
Job Details
- Certifications, Education, and Experience: Current license to practice as a Registered Nurse in the state/district; PACU/Preoperative experience of at least 2 years; recent ICU experience of at least 2 years; graduate of an accredited or NLN-approved RN program; BSN degree highly desired.
- Schedule: Night shift, 3/12-hour shifts, 36 hours per week, with scheduled on-call shifts on Saturdays and weekends. On-call shifts for PACU are Saturday 7p-730a, Sunday 7a-730p, and 7p-730a. Staff and travelers are required to choose 2 day and 2 night shifts within an 8-week period.
- Additional Responsibilities: Observe patients for anesthesia side effects, treat pain, nausea, and other post-operative symptoms, administer medications as prescribed, update charting (Electronic Medical Records), and educate patients and families on post-surgical care.
- Required Qualifications: RN license in the practicing state; minimum of 2 years recent PACU/Preop experience; minimum 2 years ICU experience; ability to work independently and critically think in a trauma center environment.
- Preferred Qualifications: PALS, BLS, and ACLS certifications; CPAN, TNCC, CCRN certifications are highly desirable.
Benefits
- The benefits of taking a travel assignment with Cross Country include:
- Private housing or generous housing allowance
- Comprehensive health insurance with prescription coverage
- Dependent health insurance with prescription coverage
- Competitive salaries
- Referral bonuses
- Travel reimbursement
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Direct deposit/free checking
- Unlimited free CE credits
Cross Country Job ID #1337879. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Registered Nurse / Post Anesthesia Care Unit
About Cross Country Nurses
You care for others — we’re here to care for you. At Cross Country, we know travel nursing is about more than just the job. It’s about building a career that supports your lifestyle, your values, and your impact. We offer competitive pay, full benefits, and 24/7 support from a team that truly understands what it means to be on the front lines. Wherever your journey takes you, we’re with you every step of the way. Let’s build your best life — one assignment at a time.
Benefits
- 401k retirement plan
- Referral bonus