Travel Nurse RN - PACU - Post Anesthesia Care
Tahlequah, OK
Encode INC
5x8 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

Job Description – Level 3 Registered Nurse (RN) – Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

Job Title: Level 3 Registered Nurse (RN) – PACU
Assignment Duration: July 13, 2026 – October 10, 2026 (13 Weeks)
Job Type: Contract / Travel Assignment
Department: Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)
Shift: 12-Hour Day (Based on Facility Need)
Status: Open
 

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Level 3 Registered Nurse (RN) – Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) to provide exceptional care to patients recovering from anesthesia following surgical and procedural interventions. The ideal candidate will have strong critical care assessment skills, the ability to recognize and respond to post-operative complications, and experience managing patients through the immediate recovery phase. The RN will collaborate closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams to ensure safe, high-quality patient care.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive nursing care to patients recovering from general, regional, and procedural anesthesia.
• Perform immediate post-operative assessments, including airway, respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, and pain evaluations.
• Continuously monitor vital signs, oxygen saturation, cardiac rhythm, and level of consciousness.
• Recognize and intervene promptly in post-anesthesia complications such as respiratory distress, bleeding, hypotension, and adverse medication reactions.
• Administer prescribed medications, IV fluids, blood products, and pain management therapies.
• Manage airway support, oxygen therapy, and emergency interventions as required.
• Collaborate with anesthesiologists, surgeons, physicians, and interdisciplinary care teams.
• Educate patients and families regarding post-operative recovery, medications, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
• Accurately document patient assessments, treatments, medications, and clinical outcomes in the electronic medical record.
• Maintain compliance with hospital policies, infection prevention standards, patient safety initiatives, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in emergency response situations, including rapid response and code events when necessary.
• Serve as a patient advocate while ensuring compassionate, evidence-based nursing care.

Required Qualifications

• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license in the applicable state.
• Minimum 3 years of recent PACU or Critical Care nursing experience preferred.
• Current BLS (AHA) certification.
• Current ACLS (AHA) certification.
• PALS certification may be required depending on facility assignment.
• Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
• Strong knowledge of post-anesthesia recovery protocols and critical care nursing practices.
• Experience with electronic medical record (EMR) systems such as Epic, Cerner, or Meditech preferred.

Preferred Skills

• Advanced patient assessment and critical thinking abilities.
• Airway management and emergency response skills.
• Cardiac monitoring and rhythm interpretation.
• IV therapy, medication administration, and pain management.
• Ventilator and respiratory support knowledge.
• Time management and multitasking in a fast-paced recovery environment.
• Excellent communication and interdisciplinary collaboration skills.
• Ability to prioritize patient care while maintaining clinical accuracy.
• Knowledge of infection prevention and patient safety standards.