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

Job Opportunity: PACU Registered Nurse

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

Job Description

• Assignment includes potential emergency team duties requiring extended stay or relief coverage during emergency events.
• Must be comfortable floating to pediatric PACU as needed.
• Care for patients across all major surgical services except those requiring critical care.
• Unit supports pre-op, Phase I and Phase II recovery for pediatric and adult patients.
• Work environment includes 34 ORs on two floors with diverse surgical/procedural populations including Endoscopy, Interventional Radiology, Pulmonary Lab, and high pediatric volume.
• Patient ratio: 1 nurse to 2 patients.
• Schedule includes 2-3 weekends per contract.
• Epic electronic health record experience required.

Required Certifications

• ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted; must be current at start.
• BLS (Basic Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted; must be current at start.
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) – AHA or RQI accepted; must be current at start.

Required Licenses and Credentials

• Valid RN license in Louisiana required upon submission and effective immediately.
• License must be current at start; renewals must be completed prior to start date if expiring within 30 days.

Requirements/Qualifications

• Valid 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).
• Experience with Epic electronic health record system.

Experience Requirements

• Specialty: Registered Nurse (PACU)
• Minimum years of experience: 1 year of recent PACU experience.
• Prior travel experience: Not required.

Shift Details

• Day shift, 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (8:00 AM – 8:30 PM)
• Total hours per week: 36

Patient Population and Unit Details

• Care for pre-op and post-op patients including pediatric and adult populations.
• Exposure to regional anesthesia and ECT procedures.
• Unit includes pre-op, Phase I and Phase II recovery areas.
• Equipment used includes Hoyer lift, bladder scanner, and Accuvein.

Additional Requirements and Notes

• Must have a current/valid driver’s license or government photo ID (color copy required).
• Background checks required including 7-year criminal background, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG, sex offender search, and education verification as applicable.
• Physical exam within 12 months indicating good health required.
• Negative 10-panel drug screen within 60 days of start required.
• Immunization and health document requirements include:

  • TB test (PPD, Qgold, or Tspot) within 12 months, with follow-up for positives.
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) immunity verification.
  • Hepatitis B immunity or vaccination series.
  • Varicella immunity or vaccination series.
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or approved exemption during flu season.
• Fit mask testing (N95) within one year of start required; onsite fit testing available if needed.
• Skills checklist and competency exam required annually.
• Photo for badge must be uploaded within 24 hours of booking (passport-style, recent, plain background).
• Candidates must be willing to comply with emergency preparedness protocols, especially during hurricane season (June 1 – Nov 30).

This position is ideal for RNs with PACU or pre/post-op experience who are comfortable working in a fast-paced surgical environment with a diverse patient population including pediatrics.