Travel Nurse - Registered Nurse - Pacu - Post Anesthesia Care Unit

Job Description

The Pre-Op/PACU RN is responsible for providing high-quality patient care before and after surgical procedures. This role supports patients through the pre-operative, recovery (PACU), and step-down phases while ensuring safety, comfort, proper documentation, and compliance with clinical standards. The RN works closely with physicians, surgical staff, patients, and families to deliver an excellent surgical experience.

• Assess patients upon admission, including physical, psychological, and educational needs.
• Monitor and document patient conditions before and after surgery.
• Develop and implement individualized care plans.
• Respond appropriately to changes in patient condition.
• Provide age-appropriate care for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Prepare and coordinate equipment, instruments, and supplies needed for procedures.
• Verify patient identity, surgical procedure, allergies, and operative site.
• Support efficient surgical workflows and patient throughput.
• Communicate updates to physicians, surgical staff, and family members.
• Maintain accurate and complete patient records.
• Complete preference cards, charge slips, and occurrence reports as needed.
• Follow all infection control, safety, and compliance policies.
• Protect patient confidentiality and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Partner with physicians and interdisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and committee assignments.
• Contribute to a positive, team-oriented work environment.

• Deliver high‑quality, patient‑centered care while managing evidence‑based practices and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Be an integral member of a dynamic interdisciplinary team – consisting of the provider(s), therapy, and more.
• Consistently apply the nursing process, critical thinking skills, scientific judgment, technical skills, and leadership to independently deliver safe nursing care to patients.
• Assess patient condition, monitor throughout your shift, and document changes in patient condition along with the care provided thoroughly.
• Educate patients and families/caregivers about the patient’s medical condition, treatment, and follow‑up measures.

• Graduate of an accredited Registered Nursing program.
• Current, unrestricted RN license in Illinois.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Current CPR certification.
• Ability to obtain ACLS certification within 6 months of hire.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and work in a fast-paced surgical environment.
• Strong critical thinking and clinical decision‑making skills.
• At least 1 year of recent PACU experience within the last 3 to 5 years.
• Membership with the Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN).
• Previous ambulatory surgery center or orthopedic surgery experience.
• Experience with quality improvement initiatives and surgical patient care workflows.

• Current compact licenses must be transferred to the state of practice within 60 days of the start of employment (Intermountain).
• Basic Life Support Certification (BLS) for healthcare providers.
• Basic Cardiac Life Support and PALS Pediatric Advanced Life Support required within 30 days of hire.
• Associate Degree or higher in Nursing, or RN Diploma.

The available plans and programs include:

• Comprehensive benefits for medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, behavioral health and telemedicine services.
• Wellbeing support, including free counseling and referral services.
• Time away from work programs for paid time off, paid family leave, long‑ and short‑term disability coverage and leaves of absence.
• Savings and retirement resources, including a 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service), Employee Stock Purchase…