PACU Registered Nurse
Wilmington, North Carolina
New Hanover Regional Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Registered Nurse - PACU

Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Job Summary

This is a travel Registered Nurse position in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) with responsibilities that may include recovering surgical patients in an ICU setting. The role involves managing Phase 1-2 PACU patients, with some ICU experience required to handle upgraded care levels within PACU. The nurse may also recover patients in the Surgical Trauma ICU (STICU).

Required Qualifications

• Valid RN license in North Carolina
• Associate of Science in Nursing / Associate Degree in Nursing
• Minimum 2 years of PACU RN experience, including experience within the last year
• Experience in Phase 1-2 PACU
• ICU (Intensive Care Unit) experience
• Traveler experience
• ACLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• BLS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• PALS certification issued by American Heart Association or American Red Cross
• Experience in Charge Nurse roles

Preferred Qualifications

• Charge Nurse experience
• Conscious Sedation certification
• Fetal Heart Monitoring (FHM)
• Intracranial Pressure (ICP) monitoring
• Telemetry
• Ventilator experience
• Prior ICU background before PACU
• Pediatric experience

Work Details

• Shift: 12-hour day shifts (6:00 AM - 7:00 PM)
• Patient Ratios: 1:2
• Call Requirement: Once every four weeks
• Float Requirement: May float to areas with overflow patients, typically surgical short stay
• Weekend Requirement: Varies
• Return to Office (RTO): Not allowed after booking; max 7 days allowed for RTO
• Disaster Response: Contract staff may be assigned to Storm or Hurricane Teams and required to report during catastrophic events or mass casualty incidents

Patient Population & Diagnoses

• Vascular and Endovascular
• Neurosurgery and Orthopedics
• Gynecology and Urology
• General Surgery and Bariatric
• Plastics and ENT
• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric cases including Tonsillectomy & Adenoidectomy (T&A), ear surgeries, hernias, cleft lip/palate
• Phase II recovery when Phase I unit is full

Unit & Equipment Details

• Phase 1 Recovery Unit caring for patients post-anesthesia from OR, EP Lab, Endoscopy, IR, MRI, and ICU transfers
• Recovery times range from 30 to 90 minutes depending on discharge criteria
• Overnight care includes Phase II patient recovery and discharge, as well as tower and ICU patients
• Equipment includes cardiac monitors, arterial lines, ICP monitors, dopplers, fetal heart monitors, EKOS, SCD pumps, wound vacs
• Unit systems: Pyxis medication system, EPIC electronic health records, Perfect Serve communication system

Orientation & Dress Code

• Comprehensive, individualized orientation tailored to experience and skill level
• Scrubs color: Navy

Compliance & Requirements

• Background checks and verifications required (criminal, education, licensure)
• Physical exam within 1 year of start; updated annually if past positive TB
• Fit testing for N95 mask or PAPR training required
• Drug screening within 30 days of start
• Immunizations and titers required for: Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis B (facility-specific declination form if titer negative)
• Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption required during flu season
• Competency exams including medication/pharmacology and dysrhythmia/EKG testing
• Must complete facility-specific orientation modules and compliance training
• Must complete Non-Novant Health Worker Orientation (NC candidates) or South Carolina-specific modules if applicable
• May be required to complete Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) training if applicable

Additional Notes

• Candidates must have ICU experience as part of screening
• Staff may be reassigned mid-contract based on unit needs
• Candidates living within 50 miles may inquire about local rate adjustments
• References: 2 professional references within 3 years required for travel and acute care positions

This position offers a challenging and varied practice environment with opportunities to care for a diverse surgical patient population in a fast-paced PACU setting.