```htmlJob Opportunity – PACU Registered Nurse – North Carolina
Start Date: October 5, 2026
Location: North Carolina
Compensation: Details provided to qualified applicants
Schedule: 3x12 night shifts, 7:00 PM – 7:00 AM
Highlights:
- Phase I PACU recovery unit caring for post-surgical patients across the lifespan, including pediatric, adult, and geriatric populations
- Diverse case mix including vascular, neurosurgery, orthopedics, gynecology, urology, bariatrics, plastics, ENT, and pediatric procedures
- 1:2 nurse-to-patient ratio with opportunity to manage ICU-level acuity in the PACU setting
- Receive patients from OR, EP Lab, Endoscopy, Interventional Radiology, MRI, and ICU for post-anesthesia recovery
- Epic EMR system with comprehensive orientation tailored to experience level
- 24/7 operation with dynamic scheduling based on surgical volume; call requirement once every four weeks
Requirements:
- Active RN license (North Carolina or Compact state)
- Minimum 2 years of PACU experience required
- Previous travel nursing experience required
- ICU experience required (must be comfortable managing ICU-level patients in PACU)
- Pediatric nursing experience required
- Current certifications: ACLS, BLS, and PALS
- Phase I and Phase II PACU skills
- Experience with ventilated patients, arterial lines, ICP monitoring, and cardiac monitoring
- Must be comfortable floating to overflow areas as needed
- Willingness to serve on Storm/Hurricane Team during catastrophic events
Preferred Qualifications:
- Charge Nurse experience
- Conscious sedation experience
- Telemetry and fetal heart monitoring experience
- Strong ICU background prior to PACU role
Why It's a Great Opportunity:
This position offers a challenging and rewarding PACU environment where you'll utilize advanced critical care skills while recovering diverse surgical patients. You'll work in a fast-paced, 24/7 unit that values clinical excellence and provides comprehensive support including IV teams, respiratory services, pharmacy, and rapid response teams. With the ability to care for patients across the entire lifespan and manage complex post-operative cases, this role is ideal for experienced PACU nurses seeking professional growth in a dynamic setting.
Additional Information:
- Pediatric patient volume varies daily based on OR schedule and trauma cases
- Recovery time typically ranges from 30 to 90 minutes depending on patient criteria
- May recover surgical patients requiring ICU-level care within the PACU
- Weekend requirements vary based on unit needs
- Maximum 7 days of approved time off; strict attendance policy
- Navy scrubs provided
- Flu vaccine required (medical/religious exemptions only)
```