Cardiovascular PACU Registered Nurse
Bellingham, Washington
PeaceHealth Saint Joseph Medical Center

Registered Nurse - PACU (Post Anesthesia Care Unit)

Location: Bellingham, Washington
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Unit & Setting

• Dedicated 10-bed Cardiovascular Prep/Recovery Unit (CRU) within the Cardiovascular Center
• Center includes 4 labs: 2 Cath, 1 EP, and 1 Peripheral Vascular

Schedule

• Shift: Evenings, 5 days a week, 8-hour shifts (1:00 PM – 9:30 PM)
• No on-call required

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in Washington
• Minimum 1 year of recent PACU (Post Anesthesia Care) experience
• Experience in Cardiac Cath Lab and Electrophysiology (EP) Lab procedures
• Associate of Science in Nursing (ASN) or Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• ACLS certification
• BLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• PALS certification

Orientation & Start Details

• Start Date: ASAP up to 4 weeks from offer
• Orientation held bi-weekly on Tuesdays

Background & Compliance Requirements

• Background check required within 60 days of start (7-year search including SSN trace, counties/states lived/worked, federal and national criminal checks)
• EPLS/GSA/SAM and HHS/OIG checks must be run 15 days prior to start and every 45 days thereafter
• Social Security verification required (candidates may start pending this if I-9 and eVerify are on file)
• Education verification required (transcripts or diploma accepted if school closed/unverifiable)
• WA State Patrol check must be run within 90 days prior to start (for WA placements)

Health & Immunization Requirements

• Physical exam within 1 year of start
• Fit mask test within 1 year and updated annually (N95 fit testing onsite if providing patient care)
• Negative TB test or chest X-ray within 1 year (IGRA or 2 PPDs)
• TB questionnaire required annually
• Immunizations or documented immunity required for:

  • Hepatitis B (titer, series, or declination)
  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - titer, vaccines, or declination
  • Varicella - titer, vaccines, history of chickenpox, or declination
  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap vaccine or declination
• Seasonal flu vaccine or approved declination required during flu season (Nov 1 – Mar 31)
• COVID-19 vaccine religious exemption forms required if applicable

Drug Testing

• Required within 30 days of start (includes amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cocaine, methadone, opiates, oxycodone, PCP, and marijuana for OR and AK candidates)

Documentation & Compliance

• Must sign Social Security verification release
• Passport-style photo with white or gray background required for badge
• Criminal disclosure statement signed prior to start
• Completion of facility-specific orientation modules and quizzes with 100% score required before start
• Review and sign workplace violence prevention plan, personnel restrictions due to illness policy, masking policy, and dress code prior to start
• ID badge and parking forms must be completed before start
• AccessNow emails for computer access must be completed within 48 hours of receipt

References & Employment History

• Two references from Charge RN or higher within the last 3 years, covering at least 1 year in specialty
• Verification of last 7 years of employment with proof of 1 year cardiovascular specialty experience

Additional Notes

• Candidate must review daily responsibilities and MyTime resources prior to start (no submission required)
• Orientation manual and checklist must be reviewed and completed as instructed

This position offers a specialized cardiovascular nursing experience in a focused prep/recovery unit with a structured orientation and comprehensive compliance requirements.