GHR Healthcare is seeking a travel nurse RN PACU - Post Anesthesia Care for a travel nursing job in Madison, Wisconsin.
Job Description & Requirements
- Specialty: PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
- Discipline: RN
- Start Date: 10/19/2026
- Duration: 13 weeks
- 40 hours per week
- Shift: 8 hours
- Employment Type: Travel
PACU Registered Nurse (RN) – Travel Nurse Contract in Madison, Wisconsin
Join a high-acuity perioperative care team as a PACU Registered Nurse (RN) in Madison, Wisconsin. Provide specialized preoperative, Phase I, and Phase II post-anesthesia care for adult patients in a fast-paced academic medical center. This 13-week travel nursing assignment offers weekday scheduling, professional growth, and the opportunity to practice in a nationally recognized healthcare community.
PACU Travel Nurse Job Details
- Weekly Estimated Pay: $2,120–$2,230
- Nursing Specialty: Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), preoperative, and recovery nursing
- Patient Population: Adults
- Assignment Type: 13-week travel nursing contract
- Start Date: October 19, 2026
- End Date: January 18, 2027
- Schedule: Day and evening shifts, Monday through Friday
- Shifts: 5 shifts per week, primarily 8-hour shifts
- Shift Duration: 8-hour shifts generally scheduled between 6:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., with rotating start times between 6:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
- Additional Scheduling Note: Occasional extension beyond the scheduled end time may be needed to complete the day's schedule
- Orientation: 20 hours
- Location: On-site in Madison, Wisconsin
Madison combines the energy of a vibrant college town with beautiful lakes, extensive trails, excellent dining, and a welcoming cultural scene. Its bike-friendly neighborhoods, outdoor recreation, and strong arts community make it an appealing destination for a Wisconsin travel nursing assignment.
PACU Registered Nurse Job Requirements
- Active Registered Nurse (RN) license eligible for practice in Wisconsin
- Minimum of 2 years of acute care nursing experience within the past 3 years, including experience in the specialty submitted
- Recent PACU, Phase I recovery, Phase II recovery, preoperative, or procedural nursing experience
- Experience in a Level I Trauma Center or comparable high-acuity healthcare setting
- Epic electronic health record (EHR) charting experience required
- Current BLS, ACLS, and CCRN certifications
- Strong telemetry and cardiac rhythm interpretation skills
- Ability to successfully complete required adult and pediatric telemetry assessments
- Comfort caring for patients with a typical nurse-to-patient ratio of approximately 2–3 patients
- Ability to float to other clinical areas as needed
- Flu vaccination required; medical and religious exemptions may be considered
PACU Registered Nurse Responsibilities
- Perform comprehensive preoperative assessments, medication reconciliation, patient education, and procedural readiness evaluations
- Provide Phase I and Phase II post-anesthesia recovery care
- Monitor airway status, respiratory function, hemodynamics, pain, sedation level, and post-procedure recovery
- Recognize and respond to changes in cardiac rhythm, oxygenation, vital signs, and neurological status
- Administer and monitor procedural sedation, reversal agents, narcotic and opioid analgesics, antiarrhythmics, antihypertensives, anticoagulation therapy, and emergency medications as ordered
- Manage IV access, central lines, ports, PICC lines, chest tubes, PCA pumps, wound vacs, and blood product administration
- Perform or assist with airway assessment, placement of oral or nasal airways, 12-lead EKG acquisition, phlebotomy, and urinary catheterization
- Care for patients following general, endoscopic, laparoscopic, ENT, ophthalmology, plastic surgery, spinal, cardiac catheterization, interventional radiology, and other operative or procedural interventions
- Apply malignant hyperthermia protocols, isolation precautions, and emergency response procedures when indicated
- Provide clear discharge instructions and coordinate safe transitions from recovery to the next level of care
- Complete accurate documentation in Epic and communicate effectively with anesthesia, procedural, surgical, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams
Apply now for this PACU Registered Nurse travel contract in Madison, Wisconsin, and advance your nursing career in a high-acuity academic medical setting.
Benefits
401K with Matching, Healthcare, Dental and Vision
Equal Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity across our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
GHR Healthcare Job ID #522776. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: PACU
About GHR Healthcare
For over 30 years, GHR Healthcare has been the bridge between healthcare
professionals and the facilities that need them nationwide. We're committed to
uncovering your ideal fit, supported by GHR's dedication to competitive
compensation, transparent communication, and a devoted team that genuinely
cares about your career journey. You can trust us to stand by your side as your
advocate, confidante, and partner in advancing your career. At GHR, care and
consideration are at the heart of everything we do. Visit ghrhealthcare.com to
learn more.