PACU RN

Job Description

Job Description

Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) Registered Nurse
ATC Healthcare of Arizona – Tucson, AZ

• 12 Month Contract - 6am to 6pm
• $35/hr

Position Summary

ATC Healthcare of Arizona is seeking an experienced PACU Registered Nurse to provide high quality post anesthesia nursing care to surgical patients in the Tucson, AZ area. The PACU RN is responsible for the assessment, monitoring, and recovery of patients following anesthesia, ensuring patient safety, comfort, and optimal outcomes in collaboration with anesthesia providers, surgeons, and interdisciplinary teams.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive post anesthesia nursing care to patients recovering from general, regional, and sedation anesthesia
• Perform thorough patient assessments upon admission to PACU, including airway, vital signs, neurological status, and pain level
• Monitor cardiac rhythms, oxygenation, and hemodynamic stability; promptly recognize and respond to complications
• Manage postoperative pain, nausea, and sedation according to provider orders and clinical protocols
• Administer medications safely and accurately in accordance with facility policies and physician orders
• Maintain airway patency and provide advanced airway support as needed
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations, including anesthetic complications and cardiac events
• Document all patient assessments, interventions, and outcomes accurately in the electronic medical record (EMR)
• Educate patients and families regarding postoperative care, recovery expectations, and discharge instructions
• Communicate effectively with physicians, anesthesia providers, and nursing staff to ensure continuity of care
• Maintain compliance with infection control, patient safety, and regulatory standards
• Participate in unitbased quality improvement initiatives and uphold ATC Healthcare standards

Required Qualifications

• Active and unencumbered Arizona Registered Nurse (RN) license
• Minimum 1–2 years of recent PACU or critical care experience
• BLS and ACLS certification required
• PALS certification preferred (may be required by facility)
• Strong assessment, critical thinking, and clinical decision making skills
• Ability to work independently in fast paced, high acuity environments
• Excellent communication, documentation, and teamwork skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in hospital PACU, ambulatory surgery center, or high acuity recovery settings
• Familiarity with common anesthesia agents and post anesthesia complications
• Prior travel or agency nursing experience
• EMR proficiency

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the unit for prolonged periods
• Ability to lift, turn, and position patients safely
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient for patient monitoring and assessment

Work Environment

• Acute care hospitals and/or outpatient surgical centers
• Fastpaced clinical setting requiring rapid assessment and response
• Exposure to anesthesia agents and postsurgical conditions

About ATC Healthcare of Arizona

ATC Healthcare of Arizona connects qualified healthcare professionals with facilities that value quality patient care, professionalism, and clinical excellence. ATC Healthcare is committed to supporting its clinicians through competitive compensation, flexible scheduling, and responsive staffing support.

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