Travel Nurse RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
Washington, DC
Talent4Health
3x12 hrs, Days

Job Title: PACU / Pre-Op Registered Nurse (Travel/Acute Care)

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Registered Nurse (RN) with strong Pre-Operative and Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) experience to join a high-acuity surgical team within a Level I Trauma Center environment. This role requires excellent critical thinking skills, the ability to work independently, and experience caring for complex post-surgical patients requiring advanced monitoring and intervention.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive nursing care to patients in pre-operative and post-anesthesia recovery phases
• Monitor patients recovering from anesthesia, surgery, and invasive procedures
• Assess and manage airway, hemodynamic status, pain control, and post-operative complications
• Respond quickly to changes in patient condition using critical care judgment
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and interdisciplinary teams
• Prepare patients for discharge, inpatient transfer, or continued observation
• Maintain accurate documentation of patient status and interventions
• Participate in on-call coverage and weekend scheduling requirements

Work Schedule

• 3 shifts per week, 12 hours per shift (36 hours/week)
• Day shift schedule
• Saturday day shift (7:00 AM – 7:30 PM) is a worked shift (1–2 per 8-week schedule required for travelers)
• On-call coverage required:
  • Saturday Night: 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM
  • Sunday Day: 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM
  • Sunday Night: 7:00 PM – 7:30 AM
• Travelers must select 2 day shifts and 2 night shifts within an 8-week period

Required Qualifications

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in applicable state/district
• Minimum 2 years of ICU experience
• Minimum 2 years of recent PACU and Pre-Op experience
• Graduate of an accredited or NLN-approved nursing program
• Current certifications:
  • BLS (Basic Life Support)
  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
• Ability to live within 50 miles of the facility

Preferred Qualifications

• BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing)
• CPAN (Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse)
• CCRN (Critical Care Registered Nurse)
• TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course)

Preferred Experience

• Experience in high-acuity Level I Trauma Center environments
• Strong background in independent clinical decision-making
• Experience outside of ambulatory or surgicenter settings (must have acute care exposure)