Manager of PACU

Job Description Overview

A high-acuity perioperative program within a Level II Trauma Center in Fort Walton Beach is seeking an experienced Manager of PACU to oversee clinical operations, staff leadership, and patient care quality across a 16-bed Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
.

The PACU manages ~30 patients per day and supports a wide range of surgical specialties, including emergent and complex cases. This leader partners with the Director of Surgical Services to promote patient safety, regulatory compliance, staff engagement, and excellence in postoperative recovery.

• Provide 24-hour accountability for PACU operations, staffing, workflow, quality, and patient outcomes.
• Supervise charge nurses and frontline staff; deliver coaching, performance evaluations, and corrective action as required.
• Ensure evidence-based postoperative recovery care, including assessment, airway management, pain control, and hemodynamic monitoring.
• Maintain knowledge of perioperative best practices, clinical trends, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with anesthesia, surgeons, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated postoperative care.
• Oversee equipment readiness, supply utilization, safety procedures, and PACU-specific quality checks.
• Participate in patient rounding, address patient/family needs, and promote a positive recovery experience.
• Manage capital requests, equipment needs, and operational budgets for the unit.
• Lead initiatives to improve workflow efficiency, patient outcomes, and recovery processes.
• Ensure effective patient and family education regarding postoperative expectations and discharge readiness.
• Cultivate a culture of teamwork, communication, respect, and customer service.

• 3+ years of recent acute-care PACU leadership experience (within the past year).
• Active RN license (Florida or Compact).
• Associate Degree in Nursing.
• BLS within 30 days of hire.
• ACLS within 90 days of hire.

• Experience in a Level II Trauma perioperative environment.
• Leadership style that is high-energy, flexible, team-oriented
  , and focused on staff engagement.

• Beds: 16
• Daily Volume: ~30 patients
• Scope: Oversees PACU staff only
• Reports To: Director of Surgical Services
• Reason for Vacancy: Previous leader relocated out of state

• Salary: $95,000–$112,000/year
  , depending on experience.
• Relocation assistance available.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) with 100% employer match (3–9% based on tenure).
• Employee stock purchase plan (10% discount).
• Tuition reimbursement, certification funding, and dependent scholarships.
• PTO, paid family leave, and disability coverage.
• Mental health support, financial/legal resources, and wellness programs.
• Optional plans: accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, pet insurance, and more.

• Perioperative nurse leaders ready to manage a high-volume PACU
  .
• Experienced PACU RNs transitioning into formal leadership roles.
• Leaders who excel in team engagement, communication, workflow coordination
  , and patient-centered care.