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

Registered Nurse - PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit)

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

Job Description

• Provide care for patients in pre-op, Phase I, and Phase II recovery in a high-volume surgical/procedural unit with 34 ORs across two floors.
• Patient population includes pediatric and adult patients, supporting all major surgical services including Endoscopy, Interventional Radiology, and Pulmonary Lab.
• May be assigned to an Emergency Team during emergency events, requiring availability to stay on-site or provide relief as directed by unit management.
• Candidates must be comfortable floating to pediatric PACU as needed.
• Patient ratio typically 1:2.
• Work schedule includes day shifts (3 shifts of 12 hours each, 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM) with 2-3 scheduled weekends per contract.
• Epic electronic health record experience is required.

Required Qualifications

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

Compliance and Documentation Requirements

• Current/valid Driver’s License or government photo ID (color copy required).
• Background checks including 7-year criminal background, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, Sex Offender Search, and education verification as applicable.
• License verification and NURSYS verification within 30 days of start.
• Physical exam within 12 months indicating good health.
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start (instant screenings not accepted).
• Immunizations and titers required:

  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella: Positive IGG titer or completed vaccine series (2 doses)
  • Hepatitis B: Positive surface antibody/IGG titer, completed vaccine series, booster, or signed declination
  • Varicella: Positive IGG titer, completed vaccine series, or booster
  • Tdap: Required for specific units (ED, Pediatrics, Mother/Baby, NICU)
• TB testing: Negative PPD, Qgold, or Tspot within 12 months; chest X-ray and TB questionnaire if positive.
• Seasonal flu vaccination, declination, or medical/religious exemption required during flu season (Oct 1 - Mar 31).
• Photo for badge: Full color, passport-style, taken within last 6 months.

Additional Notes

• Candidates must be willing to participate in emergency preparedness protocols, including potential extended stays during emergency events.
• CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute) certification required unless assigned to ICU. Must be renewed annually.
• Competency exam specific to specialty required annually with minimum 80% score.
• Skills checklist and employment application with 7 years of employment history and explanation for gaps required.

Shift Details

• Day shift: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (11:00 AM - 11:30 PM)
• Total hours per week: 36

Prior Travel Experience

• No explicit requirement for prior travel experience mentioned.

This position is ideal for RNs with PACU or critical care post-op experience who are comfortable working in a fast-paced surgical environment and flexible with pediatric patient care and emergency team assignments.