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

Job Opportunity: PACU Registered Nurse

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

Job Description

• Assigned to Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) with floating to pediatric PACU as needed.
• Care for pre-op, Phase I and Phase II recovery patients across pediatric and adult populations.
• Support patients from all major surgical services except those requiring critical care.
• Unit includes 34 ORs on two floors with diverse surgical/procedural cases including Endoscopy, Interventional Radiology, Pulmonary Lab, and Pediatric GI/Lithotripsy.
• Patient ratio: 1 nurse to 2 patients.
• 2-3 scheduled weekends per contract.
• Must be comfortable participating in emergency team assignments as directed by unit manager during emergency events.

Required Qualifications

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

  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) issued by the American Heart Association.
  • 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 Health and Background Documentation

• 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 (transcript/diploma acceptable if needed).
• Sex offender search within 30 days of start, updated monthly.
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start (no instant screens).
• Physical exam within 12 months indicating good health.
• Fit mask testing within 1 year of start; onsite fit testing available if needed.
• Immunizations or proof of immunity required for:

  • Tdap (valid for 10 years)
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (positive IGG titer or completed vaccine series)
  • Hepatitis B (positive antibody titer, completed vaccine series, or booster)
  • Varicella (positive IGG titer or completed vaccine series)
• Negative TB test (PPD, Qgold, or Tspot) within 12 months; if positive, additional documentation required.
• Seasonal flu vaccination, declination, or medical/religious exemption required during flu season (Oct 1 – Mar 31).

Additional Requirements and Information

• Candidates must be comfortable floating to pediatric PACU as needed.
• May be assigned to an emergency team during events, requiring staying onsite or relief duties.
• Skills checklist and competency exam specific to specialty required annually.
• Photo for badge: full color, passport-style, taken within last 6 months.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification may be required depending on unit assignment.

Shift Details

• Day shift: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM (5 days per week)
• 40 hours per week

Summary

This travel contract PACU RN role requires a flexible nurse comfortable with pediatric and adult post-op care, emergency team participation, and working in a high-volume surgical environment. Candidates must hold required certifications, have Epic experience, and meet comprehensive health and background screening requirements.