PACU Surgical Observation RN
Charleston, South Carolina
MUSC Health West Ashley Pavilion

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse (RN) - Surgical Short Stay/Observation (PACU)

Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Details

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (RN) - Surgical Short Stay/Observation
• Shift: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (6:00 PM - 6:00 AM, Monday to Thursday)
• Weekend Requirement: No weekends
• Holiday Requirement: No holidays
• On-call: No
• Patient Ratio: Maximum 1:6, expected 1:3
• Floating: Possible float to another observation unit or sister facilities within scope
• Unit Description:

  • Six-bay, 23-hour observation unit inside a surgery center PACU within a large clinic
  • Staffing model typically 2 RNs and 1 PCT; some nights may have 1 RN and 1 PCT
  • Building security present overnight, moves inside surgery center waiting room after clinic closes (~8 PM)
  • Patient population includes Orthopedics (total joints, arthroscopy, hand, shoulder & elbow cases), Interventional Radiology (VIR), and GI (upper and lower scopes)
  • Fast-paced environment working closely with surgeons, anesthesia, and OR nurses

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in South Carolina
• Minimum 2 years of PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit) experience, including experience within the last year
• Experience in Short Stay nursing
• BLS (Basic Life Support) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification issued by the American Heart Association
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

Schedule & Work Conditions

• No weekends or holidays required
• Facility may call off 1 shift per 2 weeks
• Open to block scheduling with manager approval, dependent on unit needs
• Local radius: 60 miles; locals accepted on a case-by-case basis

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Valid SC RN license or Compact license with primary source verification
• Current BLS and ACLS certifications (must not expire within 30 days of start)
• Annual background check covering last 7 years, including SSN trace, state and national criminal checks, sex offender registry, and FACIS 3
• Education verification or diploma/transcripts as placeholder if needed
• Drug screening: 10-panel drug test within 90 days of start (no instant tests)
• Physical exam: Initial and updated annually, attesting ability to meet physical demands
• Fit test: N95 mask fit test within 90 days prior to start, renewed annually
• Immunizations and health requirements:

  • Tdap within 10 years or declination form
  • Negative TB test (T-spot or Q-Gold) within 90 days or chest x-ray if prior positive
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella: Positive titer or vaccination series with boosters if low titer
  • Hepatitis B: Titer, vaccine series, or declination
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or medical/religious exemption (no declinations accepted) during flu season
  • COVID vaccination highly preferred; declination form required if not vaccinated
• Completion of facility-specific orientation modules prior to start (approx. 2 hours)
• Clear, passport-style photo for badge
• Proof of 2 clinical references and employment history verification for last 3 clinical employers
• Competency exams and medication/pharmacology competency as applicable

Additional Notes

• No trauma level required
• No on-call duties
• Radiation badge not required for this position
• Prior travel experience is not required for this role

This position offers a structured schedule with no weekends or holidays, a supportive team environment, and the opportunity to work in a specialized surgical observation unit with diverse patient populations.