PACU Registered Nurse
New Orleans, Louisiana
Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans

Registered Nurse - PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit)

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Description

• Assigned to PACU supporting pre-op, Phase I and Phase II recovery for pediatric and adult patients.
• Unit covers 34 ORs across two floors with a high volume of pediatric patients.
• Supports all major surgical services except critical care patients.
• May float to pediatric PACU as needed.
• Patient ratio: 1 nurse to 2 patients.
• 2-3 scheduled weekends per contract.
• Must be prepared to care for patients of all ages in pre-op and recovery phases.
• May be assigned to an Emergency Team during emergency events, requiring staying onsite until the event passes or serving as relief.

Required Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in Louisiana
• Minimum 1 year of recent PACU (Post Anesthesia Care) experience within the last year
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) / Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Certifications:

  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
  • BLS (Basic Life Support) issued by the American Heart Association
  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) issued by the American Heart Association
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system

Required Documents & Compliance

• Current/valid Driver’s License or government photo ID (color copy).
• 7-year criminal background check within 90 days of start, updated annually.
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks required within 30 days of start, updated monthly.
• Education verification or transcript/diploma if verification cannot be completed.
• Sex offender search within 30 days of start, updated monthly.
• License verification within 30 days of start; renewal must be completed prior to start if expiring soon.
• NURSYS verification within 30 days of start.
• Competency exam specific to specialty, completed within 1 year prior to start, minimum 80%, updated annually.
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification required (can be completed onsite during orientation).
• Physical exam within 12 months indicating good health.
• Fit mask testing (N95) within 1 year of start; onsite fit testing available if needed.
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start; instant screenings not accepted.
• Immunizations and titers required:

  • Tdap (Tdap only, good for 10 years)
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (positive IGG titer or completed vaccine series)
  • Hepatitis B (positive antibody, vaccine series, booster, or signed declination)
  • Varicella (positive IGG titer, vaccine series, or booster)
• Negative TB test (PPD, Qgold, or Tspot) within 12 months; chest x-ray and TB questionnaire if positive.
• Seasonal flu vaccination, declination, or medical/religious exemption required during flu season (Oct 1 - Mar 31).

Shift Details

• Day shift: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM (5 days per week)
• 8 hours per day, 40 hours per week

Additional Notes

• Candidates must be comfortable floating to pediatric PACU as needed.
• Must be willing to participate in emergency preparedness protocols, including potential extended onsite presence during emergency events.
• Preferred background in PACU or Pre/Post Op nursing experience.
• Use of special equipment includes Hoyer lift, bladder scanner, and Accuvein.

This position requires a highly adaptable RN with PACU or perioperative experience, strong pediatric and adult care skills, and readiness to respond to emergency situations as directed by unit management.