PACU Certified Nursing Assistant

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU)

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) provides essential direct patient care and clinical support to patients recovering from anesthesia and surgical procedures. Working under the direction of registered nurses and other licensed clinical staff, the CNA assists with patient safety, comfort, mobility, hygiene, vital signs, and unit operations while maintaining a calm, compassionate, and professional environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist PACU nurses with the admission, transfer, and discharge of patients recovering from anesthesia and surgical procedures.
• Obtain and document vital signs and other patient observations as directed by the RN and according to department protocols.
• Observe patients for changes in condition and promptly report abnormal findings, pain, nausea, changes in level of consciousness, or other concerns to the RN.
• Assist patients with positioning, transfers, ambulation, and other mobility needs while maintaining appropriate safety precautions.
• Provide personal care, including hygiene, toileting, linen changes, and other activities of daily living.
• Assist with transportation of patients to and from the PACU, operating room, diagnostic areas, inpatient units, and other designated locations.
• Maintain patient safety by following fall-prevention, infection-control, isolation, and other hospital safety protocols.
• Ensure patient rooms, stretchers, equipment, and treatment areas are clean, organized, and appropriately stocked.
• Assist nursing staff with obtaining supplies, equipment, specimens, and other items needed for patient care.
• Support timely turnover of PACU bays while maintaining appropriate standards for cleanliness, safety, and patient readiness.
• Demonstrate sensitivity and professionalism when caring for patients who may be anxious, disoriented, uncomfortable, or recovering from anesthesia.
• Maintain patient privacy and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Communicate effectively with nurses, anesthesia providers, surgical staff, transport personnel, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Perform other duties within the CNA scope of practice as assigned by the RN or department leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• Current Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in the applicable state.
• High School Diploma
• Current BLS certification through an approved provider.
• Previous hospital, acute-care, surgical, or PACU experience preferred.
• Ability to safely lift, reposition, transfer, and transport patients.
• Strong communication, observation, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• Ability to remain calm and responsive in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Commitment to patient safety, dignity, privacy, and compassionate care.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience caring for post-operative or medically complex patients.
• Familiarity with hospital workflows, electronic medical records, and patient transport procedures.
• Previous experience in an operating room, PACU, emergency department, medical-surgical, or other acute-care setting.

Working Environment:

This position works in a fast-paced PACU environment where patients may require close observation and frequent assistance following anesthesia. The CNA must be comfortable working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team, responding to changing patient needs, and maintaining high standards of safety, infection prevention, and patient-centered care.