PACU Registered Nurse
Portland, OR
Access Healthcare
3x12 hrs, Rotating

Registered Nurse – PACU (Portland, Oregon)

Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Position in Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), a 38-bay unit providing 24/7 perianesthesia care to adult and some pediatric patients.
• Care includes preparation for surgery/procedures, recovery from anesthesia, and transition to inpatient or discharge.
• Shifts are variable: day, evening, with possible night and/or call shifts.
• Potential start times: 5:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 7:00 PM.
• Shift schedule remains consistent weekly but requires flexibility.
• Typical shift length: 12 hours, averaging 36 hours per week.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Oregon.
• Minimum of 1 year of recent experience in Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU).
• Experience working with both adult and pediatric patients.
• Experience in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and Emergency Department (ED) settings.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN).

Compliance & Background Requirements

• Valid government-issued photo ID required on first day.
• Background check within 6 months prior to start, including education and work history verification, international searches if applicable, national sex offender search, EPLS/GSA/SAM, and HHS/OIG checks.
• Drug screening: Negative 10-panel test including methamphetamines within 3 months prior to start, processed through a SAMHSA-certified lab.
• Social Security verification conducted by background vendor.
• Primary source verification of RN license within 60 days prior to start.
• Two professional references from supervisors/managers within the last 24 months required.
• Employment application must include at least 7 years of work history with city and state for each position.

Health & Safety Requirements

• Fit mask testing required within one year prior to start; must be completed through agency (no onsite fit testing). Approved mask types specified.
• Immunizations/vaccinations required or signed declination forms for:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (Tdap preferred)
  • Measles (Rubeola)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Hepatitis B (full series or declination)
  • Varicella
  • Seasonal Flu vaccination or signed declination (deadline 12/01/2025)
• Negative TB test (2-step PPD, TSPOT, or QGOLD) within 12 months prior to start, or chest x-ray and annual questionnaire if positive history.
• TB questionnaire required for all candidates.

Orientation & Training

• Completion of facility-specific online modules prior to start, including:

  • Information Privacy and Security Essentials
  • Integrity Foundations
  • Harassment Prevention Fundamentals
  • Glucometer training (except some outpatient or case manager roles)
  • Omnicell Nurse Patient Care Training (except some outpatient or case manager roles)
  • Vocera Badge Training for inpatient RNs
• Medication override test provided for orientation (not required before start).
• Professional appearance policy must be reviewed and signed prior to start.
• Coronavirus protocol attestation must be reviewed and signed.

Additional Notes

• Candidates must be fully available for compliance needs up until start date; any planned unavailability must be communicated in advance.
• Background hits require completion of a personal criminal history statement; no open court cases allowed.
• Returning candidates with a gap of 60+ days require a reference from previous supervisor and may require updated background checks.

This position offers a dynamic PACU nursing role requiring critical care experience, multiple certifications, and compliance with extensive health and background screening protocols. Flexibility in shift scheduling and commitment to facility-specific training and policies are essential.