Travel Registered Nurse - Post-Anesthesia Care Unit; PACU​/Pre-Post Op

Registered Nurse (RN) | Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) / Pre-Post Op

Location: Lakewood, WA

Agency: United Health Care Staffing, Inc.

Pay: $68 to $70 per hour

Shift Information: Days - 4 days x 10 hours

Contract Duration: 13 Weeks

Start Date: ASAP

Travel Nurse Source  is working with United Health Care Staffing, Inc. to find a qualified PACU/Pre-Post Op RN in Lakewood, Washington, 98439!

Registered Nurse - PACU

Location: Lakewood, WA

Start Date: 04-06-2026

End Date: 07-06-2026

Shift Type: Day shifts (4x10s), 9:00 AM - 7:30 PM; includes call responsibilities: three weeknight call shifts per month 7:30 PM - 7:00 AM (off the following day) and one 24-hour weekend per month; occasional floating as needed. Shift type:
Day with night call ().

Hours per Week: 36

Candidate Pay Rate: $70 per hour

• Provide compassionate post-anesthesia care to surgical outpatients and inpatient SADU patients following best practices
• Monitor and assess patients coming out of anesthesia, responding quickly to changes in condition
• Collaborate with surgical teams, anesthesia, and nursing colleagues to deliver smooth pre- and post-operative care
• Educate patients and families on recovery expectations and safe discharge plans
• Serve as a reliable team member on call shifts, ensuring safe coverage during weeknights and scheduled weekend coverage
• Document thoroughly in EPIC to ensure continuity of care and accurate handoffs
• Support unit operations by stepping into float assignments and assisting where patient needs are greatest

• Active RN license (able to submit; facility willing to wait when applicable)
• Required certifications: ACLS, BLS, PALS
• Minimum 2 years of nursing experience (acute care preferred)
• Experience or comfort in PACU/Post-Anesthesia Care and same day surgery settings preferred
• Comfortable taking call shifts and periodic 24-hour weekend coverage
• Team-focused attitude, positive communication, and competent patient care skills
• Familiarity with EPIC charting system
• BSN not required

• Active RN license required
• BSN not required

• Post-anesthesia monitoring and recovery protocols
• Management of common outpatient surgical diagnoses (orthopedics, general surgery, GYN, ENT)
• Airway, hemodynamic, and pain assessment skills
• EPIC electronic medical record proficiency
• Strong teamwork, communication, and patient education skills
• Ability to work SADU and PACU ratios (2:1 and 1:1 at times)
• Capability to function with nursing assistants on unit and support charge nurse rotations

• Supportive team that values YOU — positive culture and friendly colleagues
• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage options to keep you healthy
• Paid time off so you can recharge between shifts
• Licensure assistance and reimbursement to keep credentials current
• Professional development and unit-specific orientation tailored to your needs
• Scrubs provided for your shift so you can travel light
• Flexible scheduling with guaranteed hours (36 hours/week) for predictability
• Referral program and recognition for team players

Explore Fort Steilacoom Park right in Lakewood for scenic walks, trails, and outdoor time. Venture into nearby Tacoma for gems like Point Defiance Park and Zoo & Aquarium, the Museum of Glass, and LeMay - America’s Car Museum. Enjoy waterfront dining along Ruston Way, walk Chambers Bay trails and shoreline, or take a day trip toward Mount Rainier for epic views and hiking.

Easy access to Seattle makes weekend city escapes and cultural outings simple.