PACU/Pre-Op Registered Nurse
Rancho Mirage, California
Eisenhower Medical Center

Registered Nurse – PACU / Pre-Op (Travel/Contract)

Location: Rancho Mirage, California
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Work in a combined Pre-Op and PACU/Recovery Unit with 12-hour shifts (3 shifts per week, primarily night shift 18:00–06:30).
• Schedule includes Friday to Sunday PM shifts; call required 2-3 shifts per month with 30-minute callback.
• Float between Pre-Op and PACU; may occasionally float to outpatient ortho surgery or same-day surgery center.
• Unit is busy with majority add-on cases; average daily census 35–50 patients.
• Patient population includes pediatrics (limited), adolescents, adults, and geriatrics.
• Unit staffed 24/7 and supported by techs.

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 2 years of RN experience in ER, ICU, or PACU.
• Proficiency in EPIC electronic health record system is mandatory.
• Previous charge nurse experience preferred.
• Must have prior experience in both Pre-Op and PACU settings (no first-time travelers).

Required Certifications

• Registered Nurse license valid in California.
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) – AHA only.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA or Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation.
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) – AHA only.
• NIH Stroke Certification.
• Phase I PACU certification.
• Dysrhythmia recognition and management.
• Ability to start IVs, airway assessment, obtain operative/procedural consent.
• Competency in straight urinary catheterization (male and female).
• Pain assessment and management.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience in ambulatory/outpatient and inpatient settings.
• Familiarity with Level 1 and Level 2 Trauma Centers.
• Surgical specialties including Bariatrics, Cardio Thoracic, General Surgery, Gynecology (including Oncology), Neurosurgery, Orthopedics (including total joints), Plastics, Podiatry, Urology, Vascular, Endovascular.
• Experience with robotic surgery programs and busy orthopedic total joint programs.
• Skills in arterial line management, blood product administration, central line/PICC care, phlebotomy.
• Knowledge of medications such as antiarrhythmics, anticoagulants, antihypertensives, emergency meds, IV vasopressors, narcotics/analgesics, reversal agents.
• Familiarity with neurological, orthopedic, plastic surgery, respiratory, and anesthesia procedures including conscious sedation, epidural, general anesthesia, nerve blocks, spinal anesthesia.
• Pre/Post Op care including follow-up calls, 12-lead EKG, wound vacs, lab interpretation, isolation precautions, malignant hyperthermia protocols, PCA pump management, and RASS scale.

Shift & Call Details

• 12-hour shifts with weekday start times varying by unit (Pre-Op starts at 05:00; PACU starts between 08:00–10:00).
• Weekend staffing includes 4 RNs per shift with staggered start times.
• Night shifts Monday–Thursday 20:00–04:30 (limited positions).
• Call required for all staff except those working regular night or weekend shifts. Call shifts cover late night and weekend hours.

Equipment & Systems

• Medication system: Omnicell.
• Scrubs provided (Royal Blue).

Compliance & Onboarding Requirements

• Criminal background check within 30 days of start (7-year search including SSN trace, all counties/states lived/worked, national sex offender, and international searches if applicable).
• Physical exam within 1 year of start confirming good physical and mental health.
• Negative 9-panel drug screen within 30 days prior to start.
• Fit testing required for specific masks prior to start; PAPR accommodations possible for approved medical or religious reasons only.
• Required immunizations or laboratory evidence of immunity for:

  • Rubeola (Measles)
  • Mumps
  • Rubella
  • Varicella
  • Hepatitis B (or signed declination)
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption (no declinations allowed).
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray per facility policy.
• Completion of facility-specific NetLearning modules prior to start (4–10 hours depending on position).
• Pass/fail onsite EKG rhythm interpretation exam on first day of orientation (two attempts allowed; remediation required after first failure). Returning RNs must retake exam.
• Completion and signing of multiple facility-specific documents including:

  • Commitment to Compliance
  • Abuse Reporting
  • Confidentiality Agreement
  • End of Life Option
  • Nursing Staffing Form
  • Mobile Heartbeat Guidelines
  • Policies Packet (includes HIPAA, Dress Code, Code of Conduct, etc.)
  • Tobacco Free Policy
  • Vehicle Registration Form
  • Attendance, Punctuality, and Call-Off Policy
  • Epic Training Acknowledgement
  • Hand Hygiene Policy
  • Social Media Policy
  • Pressure Injuries Assessment and Management Policy
  • Infection Prevention Module & Acknowledgement
  • EKG Attestation and Study Guide

Evaluations & References

• Minimum of 2 positive professional references required.
• Annual performance and internal evaluations required if employed more than 1 year with the agency.
• Dated skills checklist required.

Additional Notes

• Candidates must be able to float between Pre-Op and PACU and occasionally to other surgical service areas.
• Unit cares for a wide range of surgical patients including complex cases such as open heart and neurosurgery patients (typically recovering in ICU unless ICU is on hold).
• Candidates must be prepared for a busy, fast-paced environment with a high volume of surgical cases.
• Call shifts require availability for rapid response within 30 minutes.
• Two requests off per contract accepted.

This position is ideal for experienced RNs with strong PACU and Pre-Op skills, comfortable with a variety of surgical specialties and a dynamic, high-acuity environment.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Valid Registered Nurse (RN) license in California
• Minimum 2 years of Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) experience, including experience within the last year
• Minimum 2 years of experience in Emergency Room (ER) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) settings
• Prior Pre-Op experience
• Completion of at least one travel nursing assignment
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Proficiency with Epic electronic health record system
• Current ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) certification
• Current PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) certification
• Phase I PACU certification
• Harassment Prevention Training Certificate