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

Registered Nurse Travel/Contract Position

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Overview

• Support patients across all major surgical services except those requiring critical care.
• Care for pre-op, Phase I and Phase II recovery patients, including pediatric and adult populations.
• Work in a high-volume surgical environment with 34 ORs across two floors, including specialized suites (cysto, pediatric GI/Lithotripsy, Endoscopy, Interventional Radiology, pulmonary lab).
• Patient ratio typically 1:2.
• Schedule includes 2-3 weekends per contract.
• Epic experience required.
• Candidates must be comfortable working with pediatric patients.

Special Procedures / Unit Details

• Regional anesthesia
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
• Pre/post-op care in a fast-paced surgical setting

Required Certifications

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support)
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

Preferred Experience

• Background in PACU or Pre/Post Op nursing preferred.

Important Job Expectations

• May be assigned to an "Emergency Team" during emergency events, requiring extended stay or relief duties as assigned by unit manager. Candidates must be comfortable with this requirement.

Required Documentation & 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 of highest level completed.
• Sex offender search within 30 days of start, updated monthly.
• License verification: Active Louisiana or Compact RN license required upon submission and start. Renewals must be completed prior to start if expiring within 30 days.
• NURSYS license verification within 30 days of start.
• Competency exam specific to specialty, completed within 1 year prior to start, minimum 80%, updated annually.
• Photo for badge: full color, passport-style, taken within last 6 months.
• 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.
• Immunizations and titers required:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (Tdap required for ED, Pediatrics, Mother/Baby, NICU)
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 12 months
  • Rubeola (Measles), Mumps, Rubella immunity or vaccination
  • Hepatitis B immunity or vaccination
  • Varicella immunity or vaccination
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required during flu season (Oct 1 - Apr 30).
• Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification required (except ICU).

Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Registered Nurse
• Required years of experience: Not explicitly stated; assume minimum 2 years typical for PACU/Pre-Post Op roles.
• Prior travel experience: Not required.

Work Environment

• Fast-paced surgical/procedural unit with diverse patient population including pediatrics.
• Exposure to emergency preparedness protocols during hurricane season (June 1 - Nov 30).

Summary

This travel RN role in New Orleans offers a dynamic surgical environment requiring strong perioperative nursing skills, pediatric comfort, and multiple certifications. Candidates must be flexible to participate in emergency response teams and meet comprehensive compliance and documentation requirements. Prior travel experience is not required.