PACU Registered Nurse
Los Altos, CA
Host Healthcare
5x8 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - PACU

Location: Los Altos, California
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

This position is in a surgery center specializing in plastic surgery, focusing on the recovery of patients from general anesthesia.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct and indirect patient care using comprehensive nursing assessments and care plans.
• Administer medications and therapeutic agents as ordered by physicians or mid-level providers.
• Perform triage to determine the level of needed services.
• Conduct skin tests, immunizations, and phlebotomy as needed.
• Educate patients and families, integrating education into care plans.
• Advocate for patients to make informed healthcare decisions.
• Document nurse-patient encounters in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Participate in clinical operations and quality improvement initiatives.
• Provide orientation to new staff as assigned.
• Adhere to patient-first customer service guidelines.
• Work independently within the RN scope of practice.

Work Schedule

• No weekends
• No holidays

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in California
• Minimum 1 year of recent experience in Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
• ACLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• BLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• PALS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• CCRN certification
• NIH Stroke Scale (NIHSS) certification
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Experience

• Minimum years of specialty experience: Not explicitly stated; typical PACU RN roles require at least 1-2 years of relevant experience. (Use professional judgment to confirm candidate readiness.)
• No explicit requirement for prior travel experience.

Background and Compliance Requirements

• 7-year background check required within 6 months of start.
• Various federal and state screenings including EPLS, HHS/OIG, FACIS Level 3, and Sex Offender Search.
• Education verification required; BSN preferred.
• Drug screening (9-panel, excluding marijuana due to CA law).
• Physical exam within 1 year of start.
• Fit mask test within 1 year, renewed annually.
• Immunizations and titers required: TB, TDAP, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella), Hepatitis B, Varicella.
• Seasonal flu vaccination required during flu season.
• Competency exams as applicable (medication, dysrhythmia/EKG).
• References: 2 professional references required for clinical candidates.

Health and Safety

• Must complete TB screening questionnaire and annual renewals.
• Must comply with respiratory safety clearance and fit testing.
• Must meet immunization and vaccination requirements or provide medical contraindication documentation.
• Must complete required facility-specific orientation and compliance documents prior to start.

Additional Notes

• This role involves care of patients recovering from anesthesia in a specialized surgical setting.
• Emphasis on patient advocacy, education, and quality improvement.
• No weekend or holiday shifts required, supporting work-life balance.

This summary includes all relevant information for healthcare recruiters and workers considering this PACU Registered Nurse travel contract opportunity in California.