Job info

Registered Nurse - PACU (Post-Anesthesia Care Unit)

Location: San Francisco, California
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

Provide individualized nursing care in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) based on peri-anesthesia nursing fundamentals and pharmacology. Care is delivered to geriatric, adult, and adolescent patients from admission through discharge. Requires knowledge of peri-anesthesia standards of care, airway management, nursing assessment parameters, and medication pharmacology including doses, purposes, interactions, side effects, and reactions.

Shift: 4 shifts of 10 hours each (10 AM - 11 PM start times), no weekends.
May float to other campuses if needed and census permits.

Required Qualifications

Valid RN license in California
Minimum 2 years of PACU (Post Anesthesia Care) experience, including experience within the last year
ACLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
BLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
PALS certification
Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
ICU (Intensive Care Unit) experience

Background and Compliance Requirements

7-year background check required within 6 months of start
Annual updates for EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, and FACIS Level 3 screening (or equivalent)
Education verification required (Bachelor of Science in Nursing preferred)
Sex offender search within 90 days of start
Drug screening: Negative 9-panel drug screen within 6 months of start (excluding marijuana/cannabinoids due to CA law)
Physical exam within 1 year of start
Fit mask test within 1 year of start, renewed annually (with accommodations for religious exemptions or facial hair)
Immunizations and titers required:
- Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years)
- Negative TB test or chest x-ray within 90 days, renewed annually
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunity or vaccination
- Hepatitis B series or declination
- Varicella immunity or vaccination
- Seasonal flu vaccination or signed declination during flu season (Nov-April)
Respiratory safety clearance required prior to start, renewed annually
References: 2 professional references within 3 years (Aya requirement, not client)
Full 7 years of work history required on application with no gaps

Certifications & Competencies

May require additional certifications such as CCRN, TNCC, NRP, EFM depending on position specifics (verify with employer)
Medication/pharmacology competency exam required as applicable
Dysrhythmia/EKG competency exam may be required for some telemetry units
ICU RNs may be required to take an EKG exam onsite after start

Additional Notes

Candidate must review and sign facility-specific policies and conduct documents prior to start
Some positions require completion of vendor training and regulatory orientation before starting
Religious exemptions for vaccines and fit mask may be considered with proper documentation and approval
Float to other campuses may be required based on census and staffing needs

This position is ideal for experienced PACU nurses with ICU background seeking a travel contract opportunity in a high-acuity environment with no weekend shifts.

Facility

California Pacific Medical Center - Van Ness Campus

4.5rating(21 reviews)

4 nurses recommend working with California Pacific Medical Center - Van Ness Campus

5.0rating

Anonymous

Registered Respiratory Therapist (Allied Health Professional)

Staff Position

Review of California Pacific Medical Center - Van Ness Campus on Oct 1, 2025

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Short Term Acute Care

About San Francisco, CA

As a Travel Post Anesthesia Care Nurse in San Francisco, CA here's what you should know:

Cost of Living

San Francisco's cost of living is significantly higher than the national average, especially in terms of housing.
Wages are relatively high, but they may not fully match the increased cost of living.

Weather

Summer average highs range from 60-70°F, while winter average lows range from 45-55°F.

Furnished Housing

Short-term rentals can be found, but they are in high demand and may be relatively expensive.
It's advisable to start the search early.

Transportation

San Francisco is not very car-friendly due to limited parking and heavy traffic.
However, the city has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the famous cable cars.

Demographics

San Francisco is a diverse city with a wide range of ages.
Common health issues include respiratory problems due to the fog and air quality.
It has a large population of travel nurses due to its numerous healthcare facilities.

Things to Do

San Francisco offers a plethora of activities, including diverse restaurants, vibrant art and music scenes, numerous sports events, and abundant outdoor opportunities such as hiking, beach activities, and exploring parks.

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