Registered Nurse, PACU, Per Diem

Position Summary

The Perioperative Services Nurse provides comprehensive nursing care to surgical and procedural patients in the preoperative area and the Post‑Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), including both Phase I and Phase II recovery. This evening shift position includes weekend and holiday call responsibilities.

• Perform preoperative patient assessments and documentation.
• Verify consent forms, surgical site, and required documentation.
• Start IVs and administer preoperative medications as ordered.
• Ensure completion and review of required labs, testing, and clearances.
• Provide patient and family education regarding the perioperative process.
• Communicate patient status to anesthesia and surgical team.
• Prepare patients for surgery according to facility protocols.
• Provide immediate post‑anesthesia care and monitoring in PACU (Phase I & Phase II).
• Assess airway, breathing, circulation, neurological status, and pain level.
• Administer medications including pain management and antiemetics.
• Monitor and document vital signs and patient recovery status.
• Recognize and respond to post‑operative complications.
• Coordinate discharge planning and provide discharge instructions.
• Communicate patient status with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and nursing staff.
• Ensure safe patient discharge according to established criteria.

• Diploma, ASN or BSN (preferred) in nursing.
• Ability to obtain BSN within 4 years.
• Current Massachusetts Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Two years ICU or Emergency Department experience, or one year PACU experience required.
• BLS, ACLS, PALS certifications.
• Strong critical thinking and patient assessment skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced environment.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• EMR experience with EPIC preferred.
• Critical care (ICU) experience and ambulatory surgery experience preferred.
• Physical ability to stand and walk for extended periods, lift and assist with patient transfers, and respond quickly in emergency situations.
• Must be vaccinated against COVID‑19 and flu, as well as receive a booster dose.

Compensation range: $39.02–$90.05 per hour, based on qualifications. Total compensation includes medical, dental, vision, pharmacy benefits, contract increases, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) savings matches, earned time cash out, paid time off, career advancement opportunities, and resources to support employee well‑being.

Boston Medical Center is an equal employment/affirmative action employer and ensures equal employment opportunities for all, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression or any other non‑job‑related characteristic.