PACU Registered Nurse
Phoenix, Arizona
Maricopa Medical Center

Job Opportunity: PACU Registered Nurse

Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Overview

• Care for a patient population that is approximately 70% adults and 30% pediatrics (neonates through geriatrics).
• Patient acuity includes trauma level 1 cases, with exposure to both pediatric and adult critical care patients.
• Typical nurse-to-patient ratio: 1:2 during days, nights, and weekends.
• Shift: Night shift, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (7:00 PM to 7:30 AM).
• Facility is a designated burn center, requiring readiness to care for acutely ill pediatric and adult patients, including fluctuating pediatric census.

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in Arizona
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Minimum 1 year of Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) experience within the last year
• Experience working with both pediatric and adult patients
• ICU (Intensive Care Unit) experience
• Certifications:

  • ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
  • BLS (Basic Life Support) issued by the American Heart Association
  • PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
  • Trauma certification: TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) or ATCN or TACR (or equivalent advanced trauma certification)
• Clinical skills and competencies:

  • Central line care and management
  • IV vasopressors administration
  • Care of ventilated patients
  • Chest tube management
  • Malignant hyperthermia protocols

Experience & Preferences

• Prior travel experience is not required.
• First-time travelers generally not accepted unless candidate has very strong experience meeting all requirements.
• Local candidates are welcome.
• Preferred: Experience in a teaching hospital setting.

Schedule & Work Details

• Weekend shifts required; specifics discussed during interview.
• On-call requirement: 4-6 call shifts per 6-week schedule, details discussed during interview.
• Floating: Not applicable.
• Block scheduling: Not available.

Compliance & Onboarding Requirements

• Current and valid state nursing license in unencumbered status with primary source verification required within 15 days prior to start.
• Background checks within 1 year of start date, including SS trace, 7-year county, national criminal, and FACIS III.
• Education verification required; copy of diploma or official transcripts accepted.
• Drug screening with negative results within 30 days of start (specific drug panels required).
• Physical exam within 1 year of start, confirming good health and ability to perform job duties.
• Fit mask test within 1 year, updated annually (can be completed onsite).
• Immunizations and titers required within 72 hours of contract signing:

  • TDAP (within 10 years)
  • Negative TB test (Qgold or Tspot within 1 year) or chest x-ray if prior positive
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella: positive titer or proof of 2 vaccines
  • Hepatitis B: completed series, positive titer, or declination within last year
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved medical/religious exemption during flu season (Oct 1 - Mar 31)
• Candidate must complete facility-specific orientation acknowledgment and confidentiality forms.
• Must watch and provide proof of completion of the facility’s New Employee Orientation video prior to starting.

Additional Notes

• Candidates must be prepared to care for pediatric patients as needed, including ICU and burn cases.
• Candidates should be comfortable with high-acuity trauma and critical care nursing in a fast-paced environment.
• References and employment history verification required but will not delay start if pending; must be completed promptly after start.

This position is ideal for experienced PACU RNs with strong pediatric and adult critical care backgrounds, trauma certification, and readiness to work night shifts in a high-acuity trauma and burn center environment.