PACU RN
Hermiston, OR
GLC On-The-Go
3x12 hrs

Registered Nurse - PACU | Hermiston, OR | Contract

Quick Look

• Weekly Gross Pay: $2,253 - $2,371
• Shift: Mon - Fri, 3pm-11:30pm
• Start Date: 11/09/2026
• Duration: 13 weeks
• Number of Openings: 2

The Registered Nurse specializing in perioperative practice performs nursing activities in the pre-anesthesia, post anesthesia Phase I, and post anesthesia Phase II care of the patient's surgical experience. The recovery RN monitors patients having local only procedures in the OR and may administer conscious sedation, if certified. Works to ensure provision of quality care of pre and post procedure patients through utilization of the nursing process, established standards of care, and policies and procedures. The peri anesthesia nurse acts as the patient advocate and is responsible for the direction and supervision of any personnel assigned. Will be on call for the Post-Anesthesia Unit on a regular scheduled rotation. The employee supports the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.

Essential Job Functions:

• Completes nursing assessments on patients in the pre and postoperative phase of care.
• Performs patient admissions according to hospital standard of care.
• Initiate and manage intravenous access.
• Closely observe patients for changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, and consciousness. Report and intervene as needed based on medical guidelines.
• Uses the Aldrete scoring system in PACU phase of care.
• Ensure the patient maintains a patient airway and adequate respiratory function.
• Perform interventions to maintain the status of the patients' genitourinary, gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, endocrine, respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological systems, and fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Inform medical staff about the patient's status consistently.
• Administer pain medications and assess their effectiveness.
• Treat post-operative nausea using medications and comfort measures.
• Develop an individualized peri anesthesia plan of care.
• Assist anesthesia with various nerve blocks as needed.
• Administration of medications using the 8 rights of safe medication practices.
• Assess and perform interventions to maintain the integrity of the patients' surgical sites to enhance tissue perfusion and promote infection prevention.
• Performing interventions to maintain normothermia throughout the continuum of care.
• Evaluate the patient's and their designated caretaker's knowledge level. Provide education on expected outcomes, medication management, wound care, diet, activity, anesthesia side effects, when to seek medical care, signs and symptoms of complications, and any other necessary educational needs.
• Assess patients' progress towards desired outcomes.
• Collaborate effectively with other disciplines and nursing staff as needed.
• Transfer patient care as needed.
• Delegate tasks by Oregon State Board of Nursing guidelines.
• Use critical thinking, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills to build effective team relationships.
• Pursuing professional growth and development.
• Advocate for patients and safeguard their privacy and health information.
• Involve the patient and/or support person in decisions affecting their perioperative plan of care.
• Adhere to safety protocols such as fall risk and infection control.
• Document accurately in the electronic medical record.
• Maintain required competencies.
• The employee supports the hospital mission, vision, values, policies, and procedures.
• Participates in required education for DNV programs as applicable to position (reference program education curriculum).
• Agency nurses will be floated to other departments where they are qualified to perform patient care before core staff is floated.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education Required: Associate of Applied Science in Nursing. Preferred: Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

Licenses/Certifications/Registrations Required: Current Registered Nurse License in the State of Oregon, BLS/PALS/ACLS, & TNCC. Preferred: Conscious sedation certification, CAPA/CPAN certification, Ultrasound Guided IV certification, CRASE training. If travel assignment extends beyond a 6-month period, CRASE training will be required.

Experience Required: One-year Critical care experience or two years medical surgical experience. Preferred: Previous Day Surgery, PACU, Pre-admission services, or ambulatory surgery center experience. Familiar with glucometer, art lines, space labs, epic charting, bladder scanner, ultrasound machines, Belmont rapid infuser, blood warmers.

Physical Requirements:

The physical and sensory functions described below are essential to the successful performance of this position. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions. The position requires sufficient auditory ability to detect and respond to various sounds, including patient alarms and verbal communication. Clear and effective communication is essential, as is the ability to interact with patients, families, and healthcare team members. Visual acuity is necessary for observing patient conditions, reading documentation and monitors, and distinguishing colors for clinical purposes, such as identifying medications or safety indicators. Tactile perception is also important for assessing physical characteristics such as temperature, size, shape, or texture during patient care. Motor coordination is required for reaching, grasping, handling, and performing fine motor tasks necessary for the use of medical equipment and procedures. The position also involves occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling when assisting patients or accessing equipment. Walking and standing are typically continuous throughout the shift. The role requires the ability to lift to 50 pounds independently and involves frequent pushing, pulling, carrying, or repositioning of objects or patients weighing up to 25 pounds. There may also be occasional lifting or transferring of individuals weighing over 100 pounds, with the expectation that appropriate lifting techniques, mechanical aids, or team assistance will be used to ensure safety. May sit for long periods of time.

Working Conditions:

This position is performed primarily in an indoor healthcare environment, such as a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility. While the work setting is protected from outdoor weather conditions, it may be subject to variable indoor temperatures. The role involves frequent exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, hazardous materials, and medical equipment, with the expectation that all staff follow appropriate safety protocols and utilize personal protective equipment (PPE) as required. The healthcare environment can be fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring the ability to respond quickly to changing circumstances, including high-pressure or emergency situations. The work setting also involves multiple simultaneous demands and varying levels of noise due to medical equipment, staff activity, and patient needs.

GLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

If you are a dedicated Registered Nurse with a passion for patient care in the PACU setting, we encourage you to apply today!